Electronic spectacle frames

ABSTRACT

Embodiments may provide a first device that comprises eyeglasses, where the eyeglasses may further include a lens housing, a first temple and a second temple coupled to the lens housing, and a first and a second lens supported by the lens housing. The first device may further include a façade that covers the lens housing. The first device may further comprise an electronic component and at least one conductive path may be provided from the electronic component to the first lens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/175,633 filed on Jul. 1, 2011 and U.S. application Ser. No.13/175,634 filed on Jul. 1, 2011, which applications claim the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/361,110 filed on Jul. 2, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/376,719 filed on Aug. 25, 2010; and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/415,391 filed on Nov. 19, 2010. This application isalso a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/179,219filed on Jul. 8, 2011, which application further claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/362,877 filed Jul. 9, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/481,353 filed on May 2, 2011. The entire disclosure of each ofthe above mentioned applications is incorporated herein by reference forall purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's world, spectacle eyeglass frames are very fashionable. Whilethe trend for the eyeglass lenses is to make them thinner, lighter, andless visible, at the same time, it is the eyeglass frame that makes thefashion statement for the eyeglass wearer.

Concurrent with these trends is another concerning including electronicsinto spectacle eyewear. The trend of utilizing electronics in eyewearappears to be accelerating and the applications being developed byothers are expanding. As theses trends continue, it is becomingimportant to find ways to incorporate electronics into eyewear withoutharming the aesthetics and functionality of the eyewear. Some of thechallenges may be to not limit the fashion design of the eyeglass frameor limit the materials which the eyeglass frame can be made of, maintainas few completed eyeglass frames or eyeglass frame components (framefronts, bridges, temples) stock keeping units (SKUs) as possible, allowfor robust placement of the electronics, and in a way that can bemanufactured so that it remains affordable, and aesthetically desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments may provide electronic (also referred to herein as“electro-active”) spectacle frames that comprise a façade that may covera structural component of the electronic frames. Some embodiments maycomprise a housing module that houses (e.g. contain, encapsulate,surround a portion of, etc.) one or more electronic components (and/oran electronics module) of the electronic spectacles. Some embodimentsmay comprise a spring hinge and an electrical path from a temple to alens. Some embodiments may also comprise a conductive compliant materialthat provides part of an electrical path between the electroniccomponents (e.g. components in an electronics module) and electronicslocated on the electronic spectacle frames and/or electro-active lenses.Some embodiments may also comprise a single electronics module ormultiple electronics module.

A first device may be provided that comprises eyeglasses, where theeyeglasses may further include a lens housing, a first temple and asecond temple coupled to the lens housing, and a first and a second lenssupported by the lens housing. The first device may further include afaçade that covers the lens housing. The first device may furthercomprise an electronic component and at least one conductive path may beprovided from the electronic component to the first lens having aportion that runs through the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, theelectronic component may comprise an electronics module. In someembodiments, the electronics module may be coupled to the first temple.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, theelectronic component may be coupled to the lens housing. In someembodiments, in the first device as described above, at least oneconductive path may be provided from the electronic component to thesecond lens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the façadecovers a portion of the lens housing. In some embodiments, in the firstdevice as described above, the façade covers the entire lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the lenshousing may comprise rimless or semi-rimless spectacle frames. In someembodiments, the lens housing may comprise at least one of: screws orrim wire. In some embodiments, the conductive path comprises aconductive wire. In some embodiments, the façade provides an appearanceof rimmed spectacle frames.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the lenshousing may comprise rimless or semi-rimless spectacle frames and thefaçade may provide an appearance of full rimmed spectacle frames. Insome embodiments, in the first device as described above, the lenshousing may comprise rimless spectacle frames and the façade provides anappearance of semi-rimless spectacle frames. In some embodiments, in thefirst device as described above, the lens housing may comprisefull-rimmed spectacle frames and the façade may provide an appearance offull rimmed, semi-rimless, or rimless spectacle frames. In someembodiments, in the first device as described above, the lens housingmay comprise rimless or semi-rimless spectacle frames and the façadeprovides an appearance of rimless spectacle frames. In some embodiments,in the first device as described above, the lens housing may comprisesemi-rimless spectacle frames and the façade may provide an appearanceof semi-rimless spectacle frames.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the façademasks the conductive path. In some embodiments, in the first device asdescribed above, the conductive path may comprise a conductive wire. Insome embodiments, in the first device as described above, the conductivepath may comprise conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the conductivepath may comprise a portion of the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the facademay be coupled to the lens housing utilizing an adhesive material. Insome embodiments, in the first device as described above, the facade maybe coupled to the lens housing utilizing one or more screws. In someembodiments, in the first device as described above, the façade may beremovably coupled to the lens housing. In some embodiments, where thefaçade may be removably coupled to the lens housing, the lens housingmay be configured to be coupled to a plurality of facades, where each ofthe plurality of facades may be different.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the façademay comprise metal and the lens housing may comprise a plastic material,such as for instance acetate. In some embodiments, in the first deviceas described above, the façade may comprise a plastic material and thelens housing may comprise a metal. In some embodiments, in the firstdevice as described above, both the façade and the lens housing maycomprise either a metal or a plastic material.

It should be understood that, after reading the disclosure providedherein, a person of ordinary skill in the art may understand thatvarious combinations of the devices described above may be made suchthat some or all of the features described with regards to one devicemay be combined with some or all of the features of another device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of spectacle frames.

FIGS. 2( a) and (b) are cross sectional diagrams of devices inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of components of a portion of an exemplarydevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of components of a portion of an exemplarydevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of components of a portion of an exemplarydevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of an exemplary device in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 shows components of an exemplary device in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary portion of an exemplary device with componentscoupled therein.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary portion of an exemplary device with componentscoupled therein from a different angle.

FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of an exemplary portion of an exemplarydevice with components coupled therein.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary design mask in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary temple of an electronic spectacle frame inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of components that may comprise anexemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIGS. 18( a) and (b) show an exemplary embodiment of a device inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 19 (a) and (b) show an exemplary embodiment of a device inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 20 (a), (b), and (c) show exemplary embodiments of components of adevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIGS. 23( a)-(e) show exemplary embodiments of a device in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensing mechanism inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electronic frame comprisinga housing module in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 28 shows a top view and a front view of an exemplary embodiment ofan electronic frame comprising a façade in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 29 shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronicframe comprising a façade in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary barrier layer coupled to electronicspectacles in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following disclosure provides exemplary devices comprisingelectro-active (i.e. electronic) spectacles. Before discussing specificembodiments, some descriptions of some specific terms are providedbelow.

As used herein, a “frame” may refer to a complete wearable housing thatsecures both spectacle lenses and aligns them in the proper placerelative to the wearer's eyes when being worn. The frame may compriseelements such as a first and second temple, as well as the lens housingthat is configured to support the spectacle lenses.

As used herein, a “hinged temple” may refer to a side piece of a framethat connects to the lens housing (or directly to the lens) by way of ahinge attachment mechanism, and further provides stability by resting onthe wearer's ears when worn.

As used herein, a “hinge-less temple” may refer to a side piece of aframe that connects to the lens housing (or directly to the lens)without a hinge attachment mechanism, and further provides stability byresting on the wearer's ears when worn.

As used herein, a “temple end piece” may refer to a part of the templethat is found farthest away from the lens housing. The temple end pieceusually begins behind the ear of the wearer and ends at the end of thetemple that is located farthest away from the lens housing, but this isnot required.

As used herein, a “lens housing end piece” may refer to a part of thelens housing farthest away from the bridge and spatial to the bridge.Each frame typically has two lens housing end pieces: one on the spatialside of the right lens and one on the spatial side of the left lens.

As used herein, a “bridge” may refer to a part of the frame that fitsover/superior to the wearer's nose. The bridge is usually found betweenthe portion of the lens housing that supports the right lens and theportion of the lens housing that supports the left lens, or is betweenthe right and left lenses themselves. In some embodiments, the bridgemay comprise a portion of the lens housing.

As used herein, the term “comprising” is not intended to be limiting,but may be a transitional term synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by.” The term “comprising” may therebybe inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps. For instance, in describing a method,“comprising” indicates that the claim is open-ended and allows foradditional steps. In describing a device, “comprising” may mean that anamed element(s) may be essential for an embodiment, but other elementsmay be added and still form a construct within the scope of a claim. Incontrast, the transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element,step, or ingredient not specified in a claim.

As used herein, a “hinge” may refer to the part of the frame that allowsfor connecting the lens housing and the temples in such away that thelens housing and the temple can open and close against the lens housingon its posterior side when not being worn. In some embodiments, thehinge may connect directly to the lens.

As used herein, “eye-wire” may refer to the rim that surrounds the lensof a spectacle frame. Eye-wire may comprise a portion of the lenshousing that holds one lens (a right or a left) in a full rimmed orsemi-rimless frame. There may be two eye-wires to each lens housing.However in a completely rimless frame there are no eye wires.

As used herein, a “lens housing” may refer to a part of the frame thatis configured or adapted to support or hold the first and the secondlenses in place (preferably firmly in place). The lens housing may alsocomprise the part of the frame to which the temples attach. The lenshousing may comprise any component or material adapted to support thelenses, including, for example, screws, nylon monofilament, eye-wire,etc. or any combination thereof. The lens housing may comprise anymaterial, including metal or plastic. A lens housing may be included inany type of frame design, including fully rimmed, semi-rimless, andrimless. In some embodiments, the lens housing may also include thebridge, such as when the lens housing comprising a single component ortwo components that support both the first and the second lens.Moreover, as used herein, reference to a “lens” also includes anysuitable optic or optical component. That is, the lens housing may holdany optical component, and need not necessarily comprise a lens that hasa focal point (e.g. a lens could include a piece of glass or plasticthat may serve any purpose). For example, a “lens” as used herein mayrefer to optical components that may project or maintain an imaginaryimage perceivably by viewer and/or be used in heads-up displays, videogames, checking electronic mail, and/or any other suitable manner.

As used herein, an “electronics module” may refer to a housing orcontainer that comprises a plurality of electrical components. Forinstance, an electronics module may comprise a power source (such as abattery), a sensing mechanism (such as a capacitance switch, which mayactivate or deactivate the electronics) and/or a controller (such as amicroprocessor).

As used herein, an “electronic component” may refer to any electronicdevice, including a power source, a controller (such as amicroprocessor), a sensing mechanism (such as a touch switch), etc. thatmay be coupled to an electro-active frame.

As used herein, a “rimless frame” may refer to a frame that is designedhaving a lens housing that does not comprise eye-wires. That is, forinstance, the lens housing does not comprise eye wires but may comprise,for instance, nylon monofilament wire, screws, or other material to holdthe lenses in place.

As used herein, a “semi-rimless frame” may refer to a frame that has alens housing that comprises partial rim (i.e. eye-wire that does notcompletely encapsulate or encircle the lens) and/or may have a nylonmonofilament wire or similar feature that secures the lenses to theframe.

As used herein, a “full rimmed frame” or “fully rimmed” may refer to aframe that comprises a lens housing having a complete rim thatencapsulates or encircles the first and second lens (i.e. the lenshousing comprises full eye-wires).

As used herein, a “Zyle frame” may refer to a frame that comprisesmostly plastic

As used herein, a “metal frame” may refer to a frame that comprisesmostly metal

As used herein, a “right spatial void” may refer to the space createdwhere the right portion of the lens housing that is within the plane ofthe front of the wearers face turns back to meet the right temple. Theangle formed between the right portion of the lens housing and the righttemple is approximately (but not always) 90 degrees. This space isfurther defined as that which is bounded on three sides: On a first sideby an imaginary line that is provided on the inside back surface of theright lens or inside right portion of the lens housing, on a second sideby that of an imaginary line that is located in the middle of the righttemple not including any electronics affixed thereto, and on a thirdside which is bounded by the right side of the face and/or head of thewearer.

As used herein, a “left spatial void” may refer to the space createdwhere the left portion of the lens housing frame front that is withinthe plane of the front of the wearers face turns back to meet the lefttemple. The angle formed between the left portion of the lens housingand the left temple is approximately 90 degrees. This space is furtherdefined as that which is bounded on three sides: On a first side by animaginary line that is provided on the inside back surface of the leftlens or inside left portion of the lens housing, on a second side bythat of an imaginary line that is located in the middle of the lefttemple not including any electronics affixed thereto, and on a thirdside which is bounded by the left side of the face and/or head of thewearer.

As used herein, “coupled” may refer to any manner of connecting twocomponents together in any suitable manner, such as by way of exampleonly: attaching (e.g. attached to a surface), disposing on, disposingwithin, disposing substantially within, embedding within, embeddedsubstantially within, etc. “Coupled” may further comprise fixedlyattaching two components (such as by using a screw or embedding a firstcomponent into a second component during a manufacturing process), butdoes not so require. That is, two components may be coupled temporarilysimply by being in physical contact with one another. Two components are“electrically coupled” or “electrically connected” if current can flowfrom one component to another. That is, the two components do not haveto be in direct contact such that current flows from the one componentdirectly to the other component. There may be any number of otherconductive materials and components disposed electrically between twocomponents “electrically coupled” so long as current can flow therebetween.

As used herein, a “conductive path” refers to a continuous path forwhich electrons (i.e. current) may flow from one point to another. Theconductive path may comprise one component, or more than one component.For instance, a conductive path may comprise portions of a lens housing,a temple, a hinge, a lens, and/or conductive material disposed betweensome or all of the components.

As used herein, “electro-active spectacles,” “electronic spectacles,”“electro-active spectacle frames,” “electronic spectacle frames,”“electro-active eyeglasses,” “electro-active eyeglass frames,”“electro-active frames,” “electro-active lenses” or any permutation of“electro-active” or “electronic” may broadly refer to any eyeglass frameor lens that comprises an electronic component or components. Theelectrical components can be coupled to any part of the electro-active(e.g. electronic) frames or lenses. This may comprise, for instance, anyand all uses where by the eyeglass frames house some, most, or all ofthe electronics and the lens comprises a component or components thatmay be activated and/or deactivated by an electrical current or voltage,such as by way of example only, electronic focusing eyeglasses,electro-chromic eyeglasses, electronic tinted eyeglasses, eyeglassescomprising a micro-display allowing for viewing a digital image inspace, eyeglasses comprising an electronic heads up display, eyeglassesthat comprise an antistatic element to keep the eyeglass lenses clean,electronic shutter eyeglasses for viewing 3D images, electroniceyeglasses that comprise an occlusion control for vision training;electronic eyeglasses for myopia control, eyeglasses that comprise acomponent of a telescope or the complete telescope, eyeglasses thatcomprise a microscope, eyeglasses that comprise a camera, eyeglassesthat comprise a directional microphone, eyeglasses that comprise arangefinder, eyeglasses that comprise an image intensifier, eyeglassesthat comprise a night vision enhancement feature, occupation eyeglasses,gaming eyeglasses; eyeglasses that may comprise electronic components toprovide a user with functionality for receiving input from a wearer andperforming a specific operation in response, such as providinginformation to the wearer—e.g. a virtual personal assistant (that is,eyeglasses that may comprise electronic components such as an inputdevice (e.g. a microphone) for receiving signals (e.g. commands orquestions) from a wearer; a micro-processor that may process the inputreceived from the wearer and determine an appropriate action orresponse; a memory or other storage device that may store associationsbetween input received and predetermined functions; voice recognitionsoftware for identifying the information in an input received from awearer; an output device (e.g. a speaker) for communicating or signalinginformation to a wearer, etc.). Additional functionality and electricalcomponents that may comprise portions of electro-active or electronicspectacles may be utilized, including those that are discussed in moredetail below.

As used herein, reference to a “first” or a “second” does not limit thereferenced component to a particular location unless expressly stated.For instance, reference to a “first temple” may comprise the templelocated on either the left side or the right side of a wearer's head.

As used herein, the term “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10percent, inclusive. Thus, the phrase “approximately 10 mm” may beunderstood to mean from 9 mm to 11 mm, inclusive.

Electro-Active Frames Comprising a Spring Mechanism

Some embodiments of electro-active spectacle frames provided herein mayinclude a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism may, for instance, bedisposed on the frame of the spectacles (such as on the temple, embeddedwithin the temple, coupled to the temple and the lens housing, etc.) andmay provide a force that causes the temple member to apply pressure in adirection substantially perpendicular to, and in the direction of, awearer's head. In this manner, the spectacle frames may fit tightly on aperson's head, regardless of the size or shape. This may provide for amore comfortable fit and reduce the risk that the eyeglasses couldbecome dislodged or accidentally fall off of the wearer's head.Moreover, the use of a spring mechanism for an electro-active frame mayprovide the additional benefit of conserving power when the frames arenot in use by severing an electrical connection between electronicslocated on the lens housing (or in the lens) and a power source locatedon the temple. That is, for instance, the spring mechanism may, bymoving the temple of the frame away from the lens housing, separate twoconductors such that current cannot flow from the temple to the lenshousing (or any other separation).

The use of springs (e.g. spring hinges) for non-electro-active lenses iswell known in the art. Examples of such spring hinges are provided inthe following references, which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties:

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,250 to Takeda entitled “Spring hinge for    Eyeglasses.”-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,869 to Mitamura entitled “Eyeglasses Frame with    Spring Hinges.”-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,107 to Wagner et al. entitled “Spring Hinge for    Eyewear”-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,258 to Drlik entitled “Eyeglass Spring Hinges.”

To date, there has not been a similar approach used for electro-activeeyeglasses. In addition to some of the benefits provided by a springmechanism (including those noted above, such as a tighter fit and theability to conserve power by disconnecting components), there areadditional considerations that the inventors have identified related tothe use of such devices in electro-active frames. For instance,electro-active eyeglass frames may require that an electrical path beprovided from a temple to the lens housing, which is not utilized ontraditional (i.e. non-electro-active frames) frames. However, the use ofspring devices (such as spring hinges) in electro-active eyeglass framesmay cause the temple and lens housing to form an angle that is less than90 degrees, even when the frames are in use. This could cause adisruption in electrical connectivity between electronics or a powersource located on a temple with any electronics located on the lenshousing (or in the lens itself). FIG. 1 illustrates this situation.

As shown in FIG. 1, a typical position of the temple relative to thelens housing (e.g. when the frames are being worn) is for the first 101and/or the second temple 102 to form approximately a ninety degree anglewith the lens housing 103. In practice, this angle may be slightlysmaller or greater (depending on factors such as the wearer's head sizeand shape, the size of the frame, etc.). In this position, a conductivepath may connect components on the first 101 or second temple 102 tocomponents disposed on the lens housing 103. However, the use of aspring mechanism that applies force in the direction of a wearer's headmay cause this angle 104 to be substantially less than ninety degrees(for instance, it may be 85 degrees or less), which could cause aseparation in the conductive path between the first 101 or second 102temple and the lens housing 103. For example, if a portion of theconductive path from the first temple 101 to the lens housing 103comprises electrical contacts located at the respective ends of each ofthese components (such that, for example, when the first temple 101 andlens housing 103 are worn, there is a direct connection between theelectrical contacts), then this connection may be broken as the angle104 between the components is reduced. As noted above, the use ofsprings or similar devices in eyeglass frames to provide continuouspressure is likely to create such angles, and therefore such springs andsimilar devices have not been used with electro-active frames.

Provided herein is an electro-active frame that comprises a springmechanism. As used herein, a “spring mechanism” may refer to an elasticobject that may be used to store mechanical energy. It may comprise aspring and/or other components such as conductors located within thespring or disposed alongside the spring (or within the coils of a coilspring). When compressed or stretched, the first spring mechanism mayexert a force on one or more of the components of a device, such as thetemple or the lens housing of an electro-active frame. The first springmechanism may provide a continuous force (either variable or constant)in a direction substantially perpendicular to the head of a wearer whenthe first device (e.g. an electro-active frame) is worn. The firstspring mechanism may, in some embodiments, also conduct electricity andthereby form a part of a conductive path using a spring (or componentsthereof) or a conductor coupled to or disposed therein. In someembodiments, the conductor may be embedded within the spring mechanism,be coupled to the spring mechanism, and/or encircled by the springmechanism. As used herein, a spring mechanism may also compriseadditional components, such as a hinge that may be coupled to the templeand/or the lens. The spring mechanism may comprise any suitablematerial, including metal, plastic, or some combination thereof. FIGS. 2(a) and (b) show two examples of electro-active frames comprising springmechanisms.

A first device is provided that comprises a frame that includes a lenshousing adapted to support a first lens and a second lens. The firstdevice also comprises a first temple movably coupled to the lenshousing, and a second temple movably coupled to the lens housing. Thatis, the first and second temples may be coupled to the lens housing suchthat each may be moved relative to the lens housing so that the anglebetween them (e.g. angle 104 in FIG. 1) may change. In this regard, thelens housing and the temples may be coupled in any suitable manner thatallows for this movement, including, by way of example, through the useof a hinge or a screw.

The first device further comprises a first spring mechanism coupled tothe first temple and the lens housing. As defined above, this does notrequire that the spring mechanism be permanently attached to bothcomponents. For example, the spring mechanism may be fixed to the firsttemple and apply force to the lens housing when the first temple andlens housing (or components thereof, such as the end pieces) are withina certain distance of one another (i.e. the angle 104 between thecomponents is close to ninety degrees (e.g. within five degrees), orsome other suitable value). When the first temple and the lens housingare moved sufficiently apart the spring mechanism may no longer be inphysical contact with the lens housing. An example of this situation isprovided in FIG. 2( b) and described in detail below. Although definedabove, it is worth noting that the spring mechanism need not be in theform of a coil spring, but may take any suitable shape and may belocated in any suitable location on the frame. Such locations, as willbe described below, may include disposed on, or embedded within, thelens housing and/or on the first temple. An example of a springmechanism embedded within the first temple is shown in FIG. 2( a), whichwill be described below.

The first device also comprises a first conductive path from the firsttemple to the lens housing for at least one position of the first templerelative to the frame. That is, as defined above, electrons (in the formof current) may be distributed (i.e. conducted), or be capable beingdistributed (i.e. conducted), from the first temple to the lens housing.In so doing, the first device may, for example, comprise anelectro-active frame that has some electronic components (such as apower source, controller, sensing mechanism, etc.) located on the firsttemple, and other electronic components (such as those described below)disposed on the lens housing and/or on (or within) the lensesthemselves.

As defined above, the first conductive path may be provided by anysuitable component or components. For instance, the conductive pathcould comprise the first temple, the spring mechanism, and the lenshousing themselves (i.e. each could comprise conductive material) orsome or all of these components could comprise conductive componentsdisposed on (or embedded within) them that form a part of the conductivepath. As indicated above, the conductive path need not always bepresent, but may be provided for at least one position of the firsttemple relative to the lens housing. With reference again to FIG. 1, thefirst temple 101 may be moved to a plurality of positions relative tothe lens housing 103, each of which may have a different angle 104.Preferably, the first conductive path is provided when the first templeand the lens housing are in a position corresponding to when the firstdevice is being worn by a wearer. In some embodiments, this position mayhave an angle corresponding to approximately ninety degrees. However,embodiments are not so limited and the angle may depend on many factors,as described above. It should also be understood that the conductivepath may be provided for a plurality of positions.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstconductive path is provided by the first spring mechanism. That is, forexample, the first spring mechanism may provide some (or all) of thefirst conductive path between the first temple and the lens housing.This may be due, in part, to the fact that the spring mechanism may belocated between (or substantially between) both the first temple and thelens housing. In some embodiments, the first spring mechanism comprisesa spring that provides the first conductive path. The spring of thespring mechanism need not comprise a traditional coil spring, but maycomprise any elastic material that stores mechanical energy, such aswhen the spring is displaced. An example of a non-coil spring isprovided with reference to FIG. 2 (a). As noted above, the spring maycomprise any conductive material when providing at least a portion ofthe first conductive path. Preferable, the spring mechanism comprisesmetal.

By utilizing the spring mechanism to form a part of the conductive path,some embodiments may provide the advantage of reducing the number ofcomponents that are required to be coupled to the frame. Moreover, insome embodiments, the use of the spring mechanism to serve as part ofthe conductive path may be one way in which the conductive path can beselectively provided (e.g. the conductive path may be available when thefirst device is being worn and unavailable when the first device is notbeing worn). For instance, the spring mechanism may be permanentlycoupled (i.e. fixedly, such as through the use of a screw, adhesive,etc.) to only the first temple, and be selectively coupled (i.e.temporally, such as coming into physical contact, but not being adheredto, screwed together, etc.) to the lens housing such that the springmechanism is in physical contact with the lens housing in some but notall positions of the first temple relative to the lens housing. Inembodiments where the first spring mechanism provides some or all of theconductive path, then in positions where the first spring mechanism isno longer contacting the lens housing, the conductive path may not beprovided. This may be one way of providing a selectively availableconductive path between the first temple and the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstspring mechanism comprises a spring and a first conductor. The conductormay comprise any suitable material and may have any suitable shape.There need not be any physical contact between the spring and theconductor. For instance, in some embodiments, the spring is disposedsubstantially around the first conductor. By “substantially around,” itis meant, for example, that the spring may encircle or surround some(but not necessarily all) of the conductor. This is illustrated in theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2( a). For instance, if the springcomprises a coil spring, then the conductor may be located within thecoils of the spring. In some embodiments, the conductor may be disposedwithin (e.g. embedded in) the spring, such that the spring may compriseboth the conductor (or more than one conductors) and an insulatingmaterial. The insulating material may electrically insulate theconductors that are within the spring such that the a plurality ofconductive paths are provided by the spring (i.e. through the embeddedconductors). This may allow for multiple signals to be transmitted fromthe first temple to the lens housing, for a signal and power to betransmitted, etc. In some embodiments, the spring is coupled to thefirst conductor. That is, the spring may be attached or disposed on theconductor. Each of the spring and/or the conductor may comprise a partof the conductive path. In some embodiments, the spring is disposedalong a side of the first conductor. By “along side,” it is meant thatthe spring and the conductor may be substantially parallel and locatedno more than 3 cm apart at any given point. Preferable, the spring andthe conductor are no more than 1 cm apart such that the spring mechanismmay have a small profile (i.e. for aesthetic reasons). Again,embodiments are not so limited, and the conductor may be located in anysuitable location. Thus, in some embodiments, the first conductive pathor a portion thereof may be provided by the first conductor.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstconductive path further comprises pogo pins. A “pogo pin” may comprise adevice that establishes a (usually temporary) connection between twocomponents. An illustration of an embodiment that utilizes pogo pins isshown in FIGS. 3-10. The pogo pins may be disposed within the firsttemple, but embodiments are not so limited and the pogo pins may belocated in other locations, such as disposed on the first temple, on thelens housing (or embedded therein) and/or coupled to the first springmechanism. In some embodiments, the first device further comprises asecond spring mechanism that may press the pogo pins against electricalcontacts on the lens housing for a plurality of positions of the firsttemple. The use of the second spring mechanism may provide the abilityto maintain the conductive path between the first temple and the lenshousing for some or all of the positions of the first temple relative tothe lens housing. That is, as the distance between the portion of thelens housing comprising the electrical contacts and the first templeincreases (i.e. as the angle 104 in FIG. 1 decreases), the second springmechanism may lengthen the conductive path (i.e. cause the pogo pins toextend) so as to maintain the electrical contact (and thereby theconductive path). When the angle 104 is then increased, the lens housingand/or first temple may apply force to the second spring mechanism suchthat it contracts (i.e. the pogo pins contract), but such that theelectrical contact is still maintained. By providing a force on the pogopins so as to press against the electrical contacts of the lens housing(or congruently, against the first temple) for some, but not all, of theposition of the temple, embodiments may provide the ability toselectively provide a conductive path between the first temple and thelens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstspring mechanism may include a spring hinge. That is, the springmechanism may comprise a fixed portion that is coupled to both the lenshousing and the first temple (i.e. the hinge) that allows for therelative movement between the two components so as to change the angle104. The spring may be coupled to either or both of the lens housing andthe first temple, and may provide a force that may move the first templeto one of a plurality positions and/or presses the first temple againsta wearer's head. In some embodiments, in the first device as describedabove, an electronics module is further provided. The electronics modulemay, for example, comprise at least one of: a power source, acontroller, and a sensing module. The use of an electronics module may,in some embodiments, provide the ability to more readily fabricateelectro-active spectacles, as the electronics may be manufacturedseparately and inserted into a plurality of frame designs. Theelectronics module may be coupled to the first temple or in anothersuitable location (note that some embodiments may dispose theelectronics module or components thereof, for instance, on the lenshousing). For example, the electronics module could be embedded orsubstantially embedded in the first temple (as is described below withreference to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-10). In someembodiments, the first conductive path may be electrically connected tothe electronics module. That is, a conductive path may be provided fromthe electronics module to the lens housing and may comprise a number ofcomponents, such as the first spring mechanism or components thereof.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstconductive path conducts electricity from the first temple to the lenshousing when the first temple is in a first position. The firstconductive path does not conduct electricity from the first temple tothe lens housing when the first temple is in a second position. As wasdescribed above, the first and second positions may correspond torelative positions between the first temple and the lens housing. Thefirst position, in which the conductive path conducts electricity, maycorrespond to a position of the first temple when the first device is inuse (e.g. when the first device is worn) and the second position maycorrespond to a position of the first temple when the device is not inuse (i.e. when the device is not worn). As noted above, the conductivepath may be provided by any of the components of the first device, suchas the first spring mechanism, lens housing, first temple, etc.Embodiments that selectively (i.e. in some instances but not all)provide the conductive path from the lens housing to the first templemay provide some or all of the advantages described above, which mayinclude power conservation and efficiency related to some or all of theelectronic components of the first device not operating when the firstdevice is not in use (e.g. any electronics disposed on the lens housingwill not be electrically connected to electronic components on the firsttemple).

In some embodiments, where the first conductive path conductselectricity from the first temple to the lens housing when the firsttemple is in a first position and the first conductive path does notconduct electricity from the first temple to the lens housing when thefirst temple is in a second position, the lens housing comprises a firstelectrical contact and the first spring mechanism forms an electricalconnection with the first electrical contact in the first position. Insome embodiments, the first spring mechanism does not form an electricalconnection with the first electrical contact in the second position.That is, in embodiments wherein the first conductive path or a portionthereof includes the spring mechanism (or a component thereof), thespring mechanism may directly connect to (i.e. physically contact) theelectrical contacts disposed on the lens housing. In this manner, theconductive path provided at least in part by the spring mechanism may beselectively provided by contacting and not contacting the electricalcontacts on the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstspring mechanism is coupled to the first lens. This may be the case, forinstance, when the first device comprises rimless eyeglass frames. Thespring mechanism may provide some or all of the same functionality as infull rimmed or semi-rimless embodiments, such as by applying a forcesuch that the first temple applies pressure on the wearer's head. Thespring mechanism may also be coupled to the lens housing, even inrimless embodiments (such as when a screw or hinge is coupled to thelens). In some embodiments, the lens includes a first electricalcontact, and the first spring mechanism forms an electrical connectionwith the first electrical contact when the frame is in the firstposition. That is, the spring mechanism may form a portion of theconductive path that drives current to the lens (and may power and/orcontrol any electronics therein) from the first temple. As noted above,in some embodiments, the spring mechanism may directly connect to thelens, and thereby may also form a direct electrical connection with theelectrical contacts disposed thereon. The spring mechanism may itselfcomprise conductive components (including in some embodiments aconductive spring) that may form the connection. In such embodiments,the spring mechanism may be fixedly coupled to the lens, but theconductive components of the spring mechanism may selectively contactthe electrical contacts of the lens.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstspring mechanism is housed within the first temple. As used herein, theterm “housed within” may refer to when the first spring mechanism iscoupled to the first temple in such a way that a portion of the firstspring mechanism (such as a spring or a conductor) is within thestructure of the first temple. However, the first spring mechanism mayhave some components exposed outside of the structure of the firsttemple, such as to make electrical connections with other componentssuch as the lens housing. Embodiments that include the spring mechanismembedded within the temple may provide aesthetic value (that is, theelectro-active frames may present a more favorable outward appearance),as it may provide a more finished look with components covered orcontained within the overall structure of the device. In addition,embedding the first spring mechanism in the first temple (or anycomponent, such as the lens housing) may also provide a more durable orreliable device, as the first temple may protect the spring mechanismfrom ambient conditions as well as physical damage that spectacle framesare typically subjected to on a regular basis.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstspring mechanism is in electrical contact with the electronics module.As defined above, electrical contact does not require direct physicalcontact. There may be any number of conductors located between twocomponents that are in electrical contact. The spring mechanism may bedisposed between the electronics module and the electronic componentsthat it controls and/or provides power to, and therefore it may beefficient in some embodiments that the spring mechanism electricallyconnect to the electronics module. This connection may be maderegardless of the position of the first temple, particularly inembodiments whereby the first spring mechanism is disposed on the firsttemple. In some embodiments, the first spring mechanism is in directelectrical contact with the electronics module. That is, there are noother conductors disposed between the electronics module and theelectrical connector. Some exemplary embodiments are illustrated inFIGS. 3-10.

In some embodiments, where the first conductive path conductselectricity from the first temple to the lens housing when the firsttemple is in a first position and the first conductive path does notconduct electricity from the first temple to the lens housing when thefirst temple is in a second position, the first spring mechanismmaintains electrical contact with the electronics module in both thefirst position and the second position. This may be the case, forinstance, for embodiments on which the spring mechanism is disposed onthe first temple. As the first temple is moved (e.g. by the springmechanism) from the first position (where the spring mechanism may beelectrically connected to the lens housing) to the second position, theelectrical contact between the first spring mechanism and the lenshousing may be severed (e.g. the spring mechanism and the lens housingmay no longer be physically coupled). This may provide the selectiveconductive path discussed above. Embodiments may provide the advantagethat only one electrical contact may be required to beconnected/disconnected (i.e. only one electrical switch) so as toactivate and deactivate the electronics on the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as describe above, the firstspring mechanism is in a first condition when the first temple is in afirst position and a second condition when the first temple is in asecond position. By “condition,” it is meant that any characteristic ofthe spring mechanism (including the position of the spring mechanism,its size, shape, or length, and/or the conductivity of the springmechanism) may change. In some embodiments, this change in condition mayprovide the change in electrical connectivity. For instance, the shapeof the first spring mechanism may change so as to provide (or notprovide) physical contact between the spring mechanism (or componentsthereof) and the lens housing. In some embodiments, the spring mechanismmay, for example, maintain electrical contact with the lens housing andthe first temple by changing its length or shape (e.g. as the distancebetween the first temple and the lens housing increases, the springmechanism may increase in length to maintain contact). In this regard,the first spring mechanism may have a first length when the first templeis in a first position and a second length when the first temple is in asecond position. The first length and the second length are different.By “length” it is meant that the dimension of the electrical connectorin a direction that is substantially parallel to the largest dimensionof the temple (preferably when the first device is worn).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst conductive path conducts electricity from the first temple to thelens housing when the first temple is in a first position, and the firstconductive path does not conduct electricity from the first temple tothe lens housing when the first temple is in a second position, thefirst position is an open position. By “open position,” it is meant thatthe first temple is in a position that is substantially perpendicular tothe first and/or second lens such as when the frame is positioned on awearer's head. However, it need not be exactly perpendicular, as in somecases there may be embodiments where the angle between the temple andthe lens is less than ninety degree. The angle is shown in FIG. 1 by theangle 104. The angle 104 may vary based on both the shape and size ofthe wearer's head as well as the size and shape of the frames. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the first position may comprise the firsttemple and the lens housing being positioned such that the angle 104between them is between 60 degrees and 110 degrees. Preferably, theangle 104 between the temple and the lens housing in the first positionis between 80 degrees and 90 degrees. This typically corresponds to theangle 104 for when the first device is being worn, and thereby theelectronics of the first device may be used.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst conductive path conducts electricity from the first temple to thelens housing when the first temple is in a first position, and the firstconductive path does not conduct electricity from the first temple tothe lens housing when the first temple is in a second position, thesecond position is a closed position. By “closed position,” what ismeant which is that the temple and the lens form an angle 104 that issignificantly less than ninety degrees. This may correspond, forinstance, to a situation in which the device is not in a position on awearer's head and therefore any frame electronics may not need to beactivated. In some embodiments, the second position comprises the firsttemple and the lens housing being positioned such that there is an angle104 between them of between 0 degrees and 60 degrees. Preferable, thesecond position comprises the first temple at an angle 104 between 0degrees and 45 degrees with the lens housing. Again, these angles maycorrespond to when the first device is not in use.

FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b) illustrate two exemplary embodiments of springmechanisms that could be used in the first device. First, with referenceto FIG. 2( a), a spring 202 is provided that is disposed between thelens housing 200 and the first temple 201. In this exemplary embodiment,a portion of the spring 202 is shown as being embedded in the firsttemple 201. The spring 202 is illustrated as a coil spring, and aconductor 203 is shown disposed within the spring 202 (i.e. the springsubstantially encircles the conductor). In some embodiments, theconductor and spring may comprise the spring mechanism. A hinge 204 isshown coupled to both the lens housing 200 and the first temple 201. Thehinge 204 permits the first temple to move relative to the lens housing200. A conductive path is shown by the dotted lines 205 (within thespring mechanism), 206 (within the lens housing 200) and 207 (within thefirst temple). The conductive path could comprise an embedded conductorwithin these elements (e.g. a wire or embedded conductive material) orit could represent the components themselves (e.g. the lens housing 200,spring mechanism (i.e. spring 202 and/or conductor 203), and/or thefirst temple 201 could comprise conductive material). However,embodiments are not so limited, and the conductive path need not beprovided by the spring mechanism or a component thereof. The spring 202may apply a force to the first temple 201 such that the first temple 201applies pressure on a wearer's head.

With reference to FIG. 2( b), another exemplary spring mechanism for usein an electro-active frame is provided. The spring 212 is not a coilspring, but may comprise elastic material such that when the firsttemple 211 is moved close to the lens housing 210, the spring 212becomes depressed. Because of the nature of the material of the spring212, as it becomes compressed (i.e. it is displaced toward the lenshousing 210) it provides an opposing force. This force may separate thelens housing 210 and the first temple and/or, for example, apply forceto maintain the first device tightly on a wearer's head. The hinge 213(which is shown as comprising conductive material) couples the lenshousing 210 and the first temple 211 such that they may move relative toone another. A conductive path is shown by the dotted lines 214 (withinthe lens housing) and 215 (within the first temple). The conductivepaths 214 and 215 may be connected (and thereby form a single conductivepath) when the first temple 211 is positioned close to the lens housing210 (e.g. when the spring 212 is sufficiently compressed). Although asillustrated, the conductive path is provided through the conductivehinge 213, embodiments are not so limited. That is, a portion of theconductive path (e.g. between conductive paths 214 and 215) may beprovided by any suitable component, such as through the spring 212.

For example, the lens housing 210 and the first temple 211 couldcomprise electrical contacts at the interface where each may contact thespring 212. When the spring is compressed, there may be formedelectrical contacts between the lens housing 210, the spring 212 and thefirst temple 211. In some embodiments, the conductive path 214 mayconnect directly to the spring 212 (which, for example, may itselfcomprise conductive material) such that an electrical contact need onlybe formed (selectively) with the conductive path 215 in the first temple211. For instance, when the first temple is moved to contact 212, butprior to fully compressing 212 to contact the lens housing 210, anelectrical path from the first temple 211 to the lens housing 210 may beestablished. This exemplary embodiment may provide the ability to havethe conductive path at angles 216 that are less than ninety degrees(which may be beneficial, for instance, to prevent connection problemswhen the electro-active frames are worn and the pressure applied by thespring causes an angle less than ninety degrees). It should beunderstood that the spring could, in some embodiments, be located on thefirst temple and the principles discussed herein would apply equally.

With reference to FIGS. 3-10, an exemplary embodiment of a first deviceis provided for illustration purposes only. The components that comprisethe exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3-10 include: a first temple 300;electrical connectors 301 to connect to the pogo pins; pogo pinscomprising a spring 302 and conductive portion 303 (e.g. stainless steelcable); vertebrae 304; an end piece 305; a spring box cover 306; anelectronics module 307; a cavity 308 in the first temple for housing theelectronics module 307; and electrical connectors to the electronicsmodule 310. It should be noted that this is for illustration purposesonly, and is provided to demonstrate an exemplary embodiment in whichpogo pins embedded or coupled to the first temple 300 may be used tomaintain an electrical contact with the lens housing throughout aplurality of positions (i.e. angles) between the first temple 300 andthe lens housing. Pogo pins may be used with or without a springmechanism, but when combined with the use of a spring mechanism,embodiments may provide the benefit of maintaining the conductive pathwhen the electro-active frames are worn despite the creation of an anglebetween the lens housing and the first temple that is less than ninetydegrees.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the components comprising a portion ofan exemplary device in accordance with embodiments provided herein. Thedevice comprises an electronics module 307 embedded in a cavity 308 ofthe first temple 300. The electronics module is electrically connectedto pogo pins that comprise a spring 302 and a conductor 303. The pogopins may be used to maintain a connection as the distance (and/orrelative positions) between two electrical contacts increases ordecreases, because the spring 302 applies force to maintain theelectrical contact with the conductor 303. Thus, for instance,embodiments may provide that as the first temple 300 is moved relativeto the lens housing, the pogo pins may maintain electrical contact withthe lens housing and thereby provide a portion of a conductive path fromthe first temple 300 to the lens housing. The vertebrae 304 allow thefirst temple 300 to move relative to the lens housing, while coveringthe pogo pins. The end piece 305 may comprise a hinge such that thefirst temple 300 and the lens housing are coupled together, but may moverelative to each other. The spring box 306 covers and protects the pogopins and/or provides aesthetic value be given a finished look to theframes.

FIG. 4 shows the same components described above with reference to FIG.3 from an alternative angle. It should be noted that end piece 305,spring box cover 306, and electronics module 307 may be coupled to thefirst temple 300 using any suitable method (such as adhesive, two sidedtape, a screw, etc.).

FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the first temple 300 of the exemplarydevice. As shown, the pogo pins (and in particular the end of the pogopins comprising the spring 302) may form an electrical connection withelectrical connectors 301. The electrical connectors 301 are embeddedwithin a cavity in the first temple 300. Also shown are connectors 310that may form an electrical connection with the connectors 301 and theelectronics module 307. Thus, the electrical connectors 301 and 310 forma conductive path from the pogo pins to the electronics module (notshown) in the cavity 308. In some embodiments, the connectors 301 and310 may comprise a single electrical conductor.

FIG. 6 shows the components described above coupled together with (ordisposed within) the first temple 300. As shown, the vertebrae 304 covera portion of the conductor 303 of the pogo pins. The electricalconnector 301 is shown in physical contact with the pogo pins, and thepogo pins are embedded substantially within the first temple 300.

FIG. 7 shows an isolated view of the connections formed between theelectronics module 307 and the pogo pins. As shown, the electricalconnectors 301 are coupled to the electronics module 307 and are inphysical (and electrical) contact with a portion 302 of the pogo pins.In this manner, a conductive path is provided from the electronicsmodule 307 to the pogo pins. The pogo pins (via conductor 303) mayfurther form an electrical connection with a portion of the lenshousing. In so doing, a conductive path may be provided from the firsttemple 300 (e.g. from the electronics module 307) to the lens housing.In this manner, the electronics module 307 may provide, for example,power and/or control signals to electronics housed on the lens housingand/or in the lens. Further, as described above, the use of the pogopins may be beneficial, for example, with the use of a spring mechanismas they may continue to provide a portion of a conductive path betweenthe electronics module 307 and the lens housing for a plurality ofpositions of the first temple 300 relative to the lens housing (e.g. anumber of angles formed there between, as described above).

FIGS. 8 and 9 show views of the first temple 300 with each of theidentified components coupled together where appropriate. The exemplaryembodiment may provide a finished look (which may be aestheticallypleasing), as each of the internal components (such as the pogo pins,the electrical connectors, and even the electronics module) arerelatively concealed or masked with the first temple.

FIG. 10 shows a close up of the end piece 305 of the exemplary device.As shown the conductor 303 of the pogo pins are partially exposed so asto be capable of forming an electrical connection with the lens housing.The vertebra 304 cover a portion of the pogo pins, and also provide theability for the first temple 300 to move relative to the lens housing,while remaining coupled thereto.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claimsalong with their full scope or equivalents.

Some embodiments provided herein may thereby convey some of theadvantages of utilizing a spring mechanism on eyeglass frames toembodiments comprising electro-active frames. For example, the use ofthe spring mechanism may provide for a better and/or more comfortablefit for the wearer, while providing the first conductive path from thefirst temple to the lens housing may allow for embodiments to utilizeelectronic components located on either or both of the lens housing(and/or the lens) and the temple. In addition, some embodiments may alsoprovide the advantage of conserving power (and/or the lifetime of theelectronics) by providing a conductive path from the temple to the lenshousing for some positions of the temple relative to the lens housing,while not providing the conductive path in one or more other positions.

Exemplary Embodiments Comprising Separate Conductive Paths

Some embodiments disclosed herein may provide for electro-active framescomprising multiple conductive paths that are electrically isolated fromone another. As more sophisticated electronics are provided onelectro-active frames, it may be necessary to provide for additionalelectrical connections between multiple components. To functionproperly, these electrical connections (and the conductive paths thatprovide the electrical signals and current) must be separated (i.e.electrically isolated) to properly control multiple components (or, ifan electrical component must be supplied power and control signals, thismay also require multiple electrically isolated paths as well). Oftentimes, electrical components are located in the temple of theelectro-active frames (typically because there may be more space todispose such components therein in an aesthetically acceptable manner).Housing electronic components in the temple may require that electricalconnections are made between these components in the temple and anyelectrical components coupled to the lens housing (which may include thelenses themselves).

Embodiments may provide that these conductive paths from the temple tothe lens housing of an electro-active frame are provided by frameelements of electro-active frames. As used herein, a “frame element” isany structural component of a frame (including the frame itself) or acomponent embedded therein such as a wire, conductor (such as metal), orconductive rubber. Thus, for instance, a frame element may include atemple, a bridge, a lens housing (e.g. rim wire for full rimmed orsemi-rimless frames, hinges that connect to the lens housing and thetemple, and/or other lens housings such as screws, nylon monofilament,etc) or portions thereof. A frame element does not comprise exteriorcomponents attached to the frame, such as a wire that runs along anouter surface. In this manner, by providing the conductive paths in aframe element or elements, the electro-active frames may remainaesthetically pleasing by not having bulky cords or other connectionsrunning across the frames or in locations where they may be visible.

Electro-active frames, and in particular electro-active frames that haveelectrical components in one or both lenses, often comprise multipleelectronic components such as driving and control components (e.g. onefor each lens). This can result in expensive devices with duplicativecomponents. The inventors have found that by, for instance, providingmultiple isolated electrical paths using frame elements, is may bepossible to reduce the number of duplicative electrical components andthereby significantly decrease the costs of such devices (e.g. by only asingle electronics module that may control both of the lenses). That is,the electronic components (such as the power supply, the controller(such as a micro-processor), and the sensor mechanism (such as a switchthat can activate the device) are often the components that are of thegreatest expense (or are at least are relatively expensive in comparisonto some of the other components of the frames). By reducing the numberof components in each device, the inventors have provided the benefit ofdecreasing the costs associated with fabrication materials anddecreasing the complexity and time of manufacture. Moreover, framedesigns may be lighter and more structurally durable, as there are lesscomponents disposed thereon.

Described below are exemplary embodiments of devices comprisingconductive paths provided by one or more frame elements (or componentsthereof) from the temple of a device to the lens housing. Theembodiments described below are for illustration purposes only and arenot thereby intended to be limiting. After reading this disclosure, itmay be apparent to a person of ordinary skill that various components asdescribed below may be combined or omitted in certain embodiments, whilestill practicing the principles described.

A first device is provided that comprises a frame. The frame furtherincludes a lens housing adapted to support a first lens and a secondlens, a first temple coupled to the lens housing, and a second templecoupled to the lens housing. The first device further comprises a firstconductive path provided by one or more frame elements from the firsttemple to the lens housing and a second conductive path provided by oneor more frame elements from the first temple to the lens housing. Thatis, the first device, through the use of two conductive paths, mayprovide, for instance, multiple electrical connections between twodevices (e.g. one connection that provides power and the other thatprovides a control input), or between a plurality of devices (e.g. acontrol module or power supply that provides a signal or current to twodifferent components, such as to two electro-active lenses). In thisregard, the first conductive path is electrically isolated from thesecond conductive path. Embodiments may thereby provide the ability tosend separate signals (for instance, power and a control signal) fromelectronics that are housed in the temple to those located on the lenshousing. It should be noted that an electrical component need not belocated on the lens housing (for instance, an electrical component maybe located in a lens of the device). The device in some embodiments needonly provide a conductive path from the temple (i.e. any part of thetemple or a component thereon) to the lens housing. The conductive pathmay further extend to the lenses or to another component disposedthereon (or it may even extend through the lens housing and to the othertemple).

It is often desirable (and/or necessary) for electrical components to belocated or disposed on the lens housing to serve their intendedpurposes. For instance, if an electronic component displays an image tothe viewer, changes the refractive index of the lens, or otherwiseprovides functions related to the wearer's vision, then these componentsmay need to be located on (or near) the lenses. However, as noted above,the lens housing (or the lenses themselves) often does not have adequatespace for the additional electrical components that may be required toactivate and/or utilize the electronic components located on the lenshousing or lenses (such as a power source, controller, or sensingmodule). In addition, these components may be aesthetically unpleasingand noticeable if disposed on the lens housing (or the lensesthemselves). It may therefore be desirable in some embodiments to locatesome or all of these additional electrical components on (or within) thetemples of the frame. The temples typically have space available onwhich the additional electronic components may be disposed on and/orhidden or masked so as to remain aesthetically appealing.

However, as noted above, it may be necessary to provide a conductivepath between the components in the temple and those located on the lenshousing (or on the lenses). By using the frame element (e.g. thecomponents themselves or conductors embedded therein), the inventorshave developed embodiments of a device that may provide the necessaryconductive paths to the lens housing, while maintaining the aestheticsof the device. Moreover, by electrically isolating the components so asto provide separate conductive paths, the inventors have developedembodiments of a device that may provide multiple inputs and connectionsto electrical components that may be coupled to the lens housing.

In some embodiments, the first device as described above furthercomprises at least one electrical insulator disposed between at least aportion of the first conductive path and the second conductive path. By“at least a portion” it is meant that electrical insulator need not bedisposed along the entire first or second conductive paths (or along anentire interface between the two paths). Embodiments may providedifferent ways of electrically isolating the two conductive paths thatmay, for instance, combine the use of the insulator with othercomponents or features (such as by providing an air gap between the twoconductive paths in a region) and/or may utilize multiple insulatingmaterials.

The electrical insulator may be made of any suitable material, and mayin some embodiments (such as embodiments where the conductors areembedded within a frame element) comprise a part of a frame element(such as when the frame element comprises a plastic material). Forinstance, in some embodiments, the electrically insulating material maycomprise an injection moldable or similarly formed plastic material. Insome embodiments, the electrically insulating material comprises nylon.The electrical insulator may be utilized in some embodiments in whichthe frame element comprises conductive material, and thereby twoelectrical paths may utilize the insulating materials to form the twoconductive paths (although as described below, other methods may also beused when the frame elements comprise conductive material to isolate twoconductive paths—such as by separating the paths using an air gap).Additional exemplary embodiments related to similar embodiments areshown in FIGS. 11-12. In addition, embodiments may comprise multipleelectrical insulators (for instance multiple pieces of the same materialor different material) and the insulating material may be located alongdifferent portions of the electrical paths (for instance, a portion ofthe insulating material may be located in the temple and another portionof the insulating material may be located in the lens housing).

In this regard, in some embodiments, the first device further comprisesa first hinge coupled to the first temple and the lens housing. Thefirst hinge may connect the temple to the housing, and allow the templeto move relative to the housing. The electrical insulator may be locatedat least within the first hinge. For instance, in some embodiments, aportion of the electrical path or paths may comprise the hinge (that is,the hinge may comprise conductive material or conductive material may beembedded therein). The hinge may comprise a portion of the conductivepaths in some embodiments because it is coupled to both the lens housing(or comprises a part of the lens housing) and the temple, and therebymay provide a conductive path between the two frame elements. An exampleof a hinge comprising a portion of a conductive path is shown in FIGS.2( a) (e.g. path 205-206) and (b) (e.g. path 214-215). The hinge may,for example comprise conductive material, and an insulator may bedisposed therein so as to define two electrically isolated conductivepaths. However, as noted above, the electrical insulator may be locatedin any suitable location, or in multiple locations, as needed. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the electrical insulator is located atleast within the first temple. In some embodiments, the electricalinsulator is located at least within the lens housing. This may bepreferred, for example, in embodiments of semi-rimless frames wherein apartial eye-wire (which may be used to mask or hide an embeddedconductor or conductors) is present only over one portion of the lenses(e.g. the top or the bottom of the lenses). The two conductive paths maybe located in the partial eye wire, and the electrical insulator may beused to separate the two paths.

In some embodiments, the first device as described above furthercomprises an electronics module that is coupled to the first temple ofthe frame. As noted above, the electronics module and other componentsmay be preferably located on the temple in some embodiments for bothpractical and aesthetic reasons. The electronics module may comprise,for example, a controller, a power source, and/or a sensing mechanism.Some or all of these components may be used to operate electricalcomponents located on the lens housing, which may thereby require anelectrical contact between the electronics module and the component. Inthis regard, the first and second conductive paths may be electricallyconnected to the electronics module. In this manner, the electronicsmodule (or the components therein) may be electrically connected tocomponents coupled to the lens housing (such as those located in thelenses for the first device). In some embodiments, the use of frameelements to provide portions of the conductive paths, in addition to theelectronics module being embedded in the first temple, results in adevice that may appear to an observer to be an ordinary(non-electro-active) frame. Furthermore, in some embodiments, theelectronic components (e.g. coupled to an embedded electronics module)and the conductive paths (comprising a frame element or elements) may beprotected from the elements, and may, for example, reduce the likelihoodthat a short may occurs from an outside charge or force.

In some embodiments, the first device as described above furthercomprises a first lens having a first electrical contact and a secondlens having a second electrical contact. That is, some embodiments ofthe first device may comprise electro-active lenses (such as lenses thatperform different function when current is supplied to them or acomponent therein). To provide current to the electro-active lens orcomponents therein, the lenses may comprise one or more electricalcontacts. In some embodiments, the first conductive path electricallyconnects to the first electrical contact of the first lens and thesecond conductive path electrically connects to the second electricalcontact of the second lens. That is, the first conductive path mayelectrically connect to the first lens and the second conductive pathmay electrically connect to the second lens. In this manner, forexample, embodiments may provide that a single electrical component (orelectronics module) that is coupled to both the first and the secondconductive paths may provide signals and/or current to the first andsecond lens of the device separately. For instance, embodiments mayprovide for the first and second lens to be controlled separatelyutilizing the electrically isolated conductive paths. Rather than asingle electrical component (or electronics module), the first lens andthe second lens may be individually controlled by separate electricalcomponents (i.e. the first and second conductive path may, but need not,electrically connect to a single component).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a first lens having a first electrical contact that iselectrically connected to the first conductive path, and a second lenshaving a second electrical contact that is electrically connected to thesecond conductive path, the first lens may further include a secondelectrical contact and the second lens may further include a firstelectrical contact. That is, the first and the second lenses may eachcomprise a first and a second electrical contact such that each mayreceive a plurality of signals or currents from one or more electricalcomponents. In some embodiments, the first conductive path mayelectrically connect to the first electrical contact of the second lensand the second conductive path may electrically connect to the secondelectrical contact of the first lens. In this regard, the first lens andsecond lens may each be electrically connected to both the first andsecond conductive paths. Such embodiments may, but need not, provide forsimultaneously controlling both the first and the second lens using asingle electronics module or other components. Embodiments may therebyutilize, for example, a single electronics module that is electricallyconnected to both the first and second lenses.

As was described above, the use of a single electronics module and/orelectrical components (such as those that may be coupled to the firsttemple of the device) to control a plurality of electrical components(such as those that are coupled to the lens housing and/orelectro-active lenses of the first device) may provide several benefits.This includes, for example, removing redundant electrical components,and thereby reducing the manufacturing costs and complexity of the firstdevice without sacrificing functionality. Such embodiments may alsoremove the need to synchronize the first and second lenses. That is, forexample, if the first and second lenses are electro-active lenses andare controlled using two different electronics modules (or componentstherein), the operation of each may have to be matched with the other(otherwise, a wearer may become distorted or receive conflictingfunctionality from the lenses). Synchronizing the lenses could requireadditional electrical components and further add to the cost and thecomplexity of the first device.

Indeed, in some embodiments, the second temple or the second lens doesnot comprise an electronics module coupled thereto. In this manner, theelectro-active frames may comprise less redundant features by utilizinga single electronics module (or the components therein) electricallyconnected to both the first and the second lens (or other componentscoupled to the lens housing). In some embodiments, the use of twoelectrical connections (i.e. via the first and second conductive paths)may be the minimal number of electrical contacts needed for electricalcomponents located on the lens housing or the electro-active lenses(e.g. the first and second lenses) to function properly.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the lenshousing comprises a non-conductive material and the frame elementproviding the first conductive path (or a portion thereof) comprises aconductive material embedded in the lens housing. That is, theconductive path may comprise material embedded in the lens housing. Thismay provide the benefit that the lens housing material itself mayelectrically isolate the first conductive path from other components(such as the second conductive path). Also, utilizing a non-conductivematerial for the lens housing (rather than a conductive material) mayprevent short faults with the electronic components, or false signalsgenerated by outside sources (such as by static electricity). In someembodiments, the frame element providing the second conductive path (ora portion thereof) comprises a conductive material embedded in the lenshousing. In such embodiments, the frame elements providing the portionsof the first and second conductive paths may be embedded within the lenshousing such that a sufficient amount of non-conductive material (e.g.the material that comprises the lens housing) is disposed between thetwo conductive paths such that they remain electrically isolated. Insome embodiments, additional electrical insulation may be provided andembedded within the lens housing as well. In some embodiments, the lenshousing comprises acetate. Acetate is one of the more common materialsthat eyeglass frames comprise. It is non-conductive and it may thereforebe preferable to use this material for some of the embodiments describedabove utilizing non-conductive materials.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst device comprises a first and second lens having first and secondelectrical contacts, where the first conductive path electricallyconnects to the first contact of the first and second lens, and wherethe second conductive path electrically connects to the second contactof the first and the second lens, the lens housing may comprise aconductive material. A first portion of the lens housing may provide atleast a part of the first conductive path. That is, a portion of thelens housing that comprises a conductive material may form an electricalconnection between the first electrical contact of each of the first andsecond lenses. An exemplary embodiment of this is shown in FIGS. 11 and12, and described in detail below. In some embodiments, at least a partof the second conductive path is provided by a second portion of thelens housing. That is, for example, the lens housing may be separatedinto a plurality of electrically isolated portions. This may be done inany manner, such as by having two separate conductive pieces that areshaped appropriately (e.g. shaped into the mold of the lens housingportions such that when coupled to the first device, the first andsecond portions may support the lenses) and coupling the two portions tothe first device (such as by coupling the portions to hinges or thetemples) so that the portions remain are physically separate (i.e.electrically isolated).

In this manner, some embodiments may offer some advantages over otherdesigns for providing electrically isolated conductive paths such as, byway of example, providing a less complicated manufacturing process. Thatis, for embodiments where the lens housing itself comprises conductivematerial, there may be no need to provide conductive material embeddedwithin the lens housing (which could be a complex and intricate process,particularly when attempting to define multiple electrically isolatedconductive paths. By utilizing a more macro approach such as physicallyseparating the large conducting components of the frame to form theconductive paths (e.g. a top portion 1101 and a bottom portion 1102 thatare separated at the ends 1104 and 1105 where they may be coupled to thetemples (or a hinge) of the first device and in the center 1103 by anair gap or insulation), embodiments may provide a readily achievable andcommercially feasible design for providing the electrically isolatedconductive paths.

Continuing with these exemplary embodiments, wherein the first devicecomprises a first and second lens having first and second electricalcontacts, where the first conductive path electrically connects to thefirst contact of the first and second lens, where the second conductivepath electrically connects to the second contact of the first and thesecond lens, where the lens housing comprises a conductive material,where a first portion of the lens housing provides at least a part ofthe first conductive path, and where at least a part of the secondconductive path is provided by a second portion of the lens housing, thefirst portion of the lens housing and the second portion of the lenshousing may be separated by at least one of an air gap or insulatingmaterial. This may again be illustrated with reference to the exemplaryembodiments in FIGS. 11 and 12, where the electrical isolation betweenthe first 1101 and the second 1102 conductive paths is an air gap at thebridge 1103. Other points of electrical isolation are provided at theedges of the lens housing 1104 and 1105 where the first portion 1101 andsecond portion 1102 of the lens housing are coupled to the temples atdifferent locations. In some embodiments, rather than an air gap at thebridge 1103, electrical insulation may be used. This may provide anadvantage over the air gap embodiments because the portions 1101 and1102 above and below the air gap are likely to, at some point, bemisshaped such that the electrical isolation may be compromised(particularly when considering the daily abuse that eyeglasses may besubject to). In contrast, if insulation is used at 1103, even if theportions 1101 and 1102 change shape, there may still be insulationdisposed between the two portions, thereby potentially maintaining theelectrical isolation. As noted above, in some embodiments, the bridge1103 includes the first portion 1101 and the second portion 1102 of thelens housing (or portions thereof) and the air gap may be formed there.In some embodiments, the air gap has a maximum distance of at leastapproximately 10 mm. This distance for the air gap may provide enoughseparation between the first 1101 and second portion 1102 that the airgap is unlikely to be compromised during everyday use. In someembodiments, the first portion of the lens housing and the secondportion of the lens housing comprise metal.

Continuing further with these exemplary embodiments, in someembodiments, where the first device further comprises at least oneelectrical insulator disposed between at least a portion of the firstconductive path and the second conductive path, the electrical insulatormay include a first component and a second component. The firstcomponent of the electrical insulator disposed between the firstconductive path and the second conductive path comprises the first lensand the second lens. That is, again with reference to FIG. 11 forillustration purposes only, the first portion of the insulation mayrefer to the separation provide by the first 1106 and second 1107lenses. That is, in some embodiments, the lenses are not made of aconductive material (or comprise embedded conductive materials) suchthat current could flow from the first portion 1101 to the secondportion 1102 of the lens housing. In some embodiments, the secondcomponent of the electrical insulator disposed between the firstconductive path and the second conductive path includes at least one of:an air gap and an electrically insulating material. That is, again withreference to FIG. 11, the second portion of the insulation may refer tothe separation provided at the bridge 1103. In some embodiments, thesecond component of the electrical insulator is disposed between thefirst lens and the second lens. In this manner, the second portion ofthe insulator may prevent current from flowing between the twocomponents and thereby compromising the electrical isolation of thefirst and second portions of the lens housing.

In some embodiments, and as noted above, the electrically insulatingmaterial that electrically isolates the first portion of the lenshousing from the second portion of the lens housing may comprise aninjection moldable or similarly formed plastic material. This materialmay be preferred because of its ability to mold its shape to theparticular area it is confined to. Moreover, because it is injectionmoldable, it may be easier to apply this material to portions of theframe, such as embedding within the lens housing or the bridge area. Insome embodiments, the electrically insulating material comprises nylon.

In some embodiments, the first device as described above may comprisesemi-rimless eyeglass frames. As defined above, in some embodiments,semi-rimless eyeglass frames typically have partial eye-wires aroundsome of the first and second lenses to provide support. It may bepreferred that the first and second conductive paths are provided inthis portion of the semi-rimless eyeglass frames because, for instance,the eye-wire is typically the thicker portion of the lens housing (i.e.this portion may be better able to hide the electrical components, andmay also better protect the electrical connections from damage) incomparison to the nylon monofilament or other material that may be usedon the remaining sections of the lenses to hold them in place. In thisregard, in some embodiments, the first conductive path and the secondconductive path are each disposed within the lens housing of thesemi-rimless spectacles. For semi-rimless frame design embodiments, bothof the electrical conductors that comprise the first and secondconductive paths, respectively, may be disposed over the top of the lens(or the bottom, depending on the style of frames and/or where theportion of eye-wire (or the thicker portion of the lens housing) may belocated). The first and second conductive paths may be separated by anelectrically insulating material. That is, for instance, the lenshousing in a semi-rimless design may comprise eye-wire (or any othersuitable lens housing components) over the top portion of the first andsecond lens. This portion of the lens housing may comprise both thefirst and the second conductive paths, as well as an insulating material(such as nylon) disposed between the conductive paths such that thefirst and second conductive paths may be both electrically coupled tothe first and second lens, and remain electrically isolated from theother.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described, the lens housingcomprises full rimmed spectacle frames. Exemplary embodiments are shownagain in FIGS. 11 and 12, but embodiments art not so limited. Forexample and as described above, full rimmed design embodiments may alsocomprise the first conductive path and the second conductive pathprovided by materials embedded within the lens housing. That is,embodiments are not limited to using only lens housing that compriseconductive materials. The full rim embodiments may include lens housingsthat comprise metal or plastic (or some combination thereof). Ingeneral, full rimmed designs may be preferred from a functionalstandpoint as the eye-wires that many such embodiments comprise mayprovide a ready means, as described in examples above, of providing afirst and second conductive path from the temple to the lens housings,and/or from the lens housings to the lenses.

Although embodiments may provide one or more conductive paths from atemple to the lens housing which may, in some embodiments, provide oneor more advantages related to reducing the number of components used forthe electro-active frames, embodiments are not so limited. Indeed, theconcepts discussed and described above may be equally applicable toembodiments that comprise multiple electronics modules and/or othercomponents located on both the first and the second temple. In general,these embodiments may present advantages over single module embodimentssuch as, for instance, greater flexibility in controlling the individualcomponents (such as electro-active lenses) by having individual controlslocated on each temple for each (or both) components. Provided below areadditional exemplary embodiments:

A first device is further provided that comprises a frame. The framefurther comprises a lens housing adapted to support a first lens and asecond lens, a first temple coupled to the lens housing, and a secondtemple coupled to the lens housing. The first device further includes afirst conductive path provided by one or more frame elements from thefirst temple to the lens housing, a second conductive path provided byone or more frame elements from the first temple to the lens housing, athird conductive path provided by one or more frame elements from thesecond temple to the lens housing, and a fourth conductive path providedby one or more frame elements from the second temple to the lenshousing. As noted above, the use of frame elements provides manyadvantages over systems that may utilize exposed wires or other methodsfor establishing a conductive path between a temple of the frame and thelens housing. In the first device, each of the first, second, third, andfourth conductive paths are electrically isolated from each other. Asnoted above, it is generally beneficial to provide multiple electricallyisolated conductive paths so as to control multiple electroniccomponents and/or provide additional functionality, such as by providingpower and signal paths to the components.

The first device as described above in some embodiments may provide theadvantage that multiple electronics modules and/or electronic componentsmay be disposed on either or both of the temples of the electro-activeframe. This may, for instance, allow for more functionality than singlemodule embodiments, based on, for instance providing for additionalelectronics to be included on the first device. Moreover, by providingelectronics modules on both temples, embodiments may provide theadvantage of not having to utilize a conductive path across the bridgeof the frames to power/control electronic components on both sides ofthe lens housing. This may, in some embodiments, reduce the complexityof manufacturing that portion of the electro-active lens frame. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the conductive path across the bridge maybe the location in which the electrical isolation between the variousconductive paths is more likely to be compromised. Some embodiments mayalso provide for a more robust electro-active frame (and/or lenssystem), with potential backup systems and redundancy provided for theelectronic components on each temple.

In some embodiments, in the first device as provided above, the firstconductive path is electrically isolated from the second conductive pathby an electric insulator and the third conductive path is electricallyisolated from the fourth conductive path by an electric insulator. Theinsulator may comprise any suitable material and may be located in anysuitable location, such as at least in the temple, hinge, or lenshousing, as described above. In some embodiments, the first devicefurther includes a first electronics module that may be disposed on thefirst temple and a second electronics module disposed on the secondtemple. Such embodiment, as noted above, may provide the advantages ofcontrolling multiple elements (such as electro-active lenses)individually, or providing a redundancy system so that theelectro-active lenses may function after a failure in one of theelectronics modules.

In some embodiments, the first device further includes a first lenshaving a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact and asecond lens having a first electrical contact and a second electricalcontact. In some embodiments, the first conductive path may electricallyconnect to the first electrical contact of the first lens, the secondconductive path may electrically connect to the second electricalcontact of the first lens, the third conductive path may electricallyconnect to the first electrical contact of the second lens, and thefourth conductive path may electrically connect to the second electricalcontact of the second lens. In some embodiments, the first and secondconductive paths electrically connect to the first electronics moduleand the third and fourth conductive paths electrically connect to thesecond electronics module.

That is, it may be the case that in some embodiments, the conductivepaths that are provided from the first temple to the lens housing aresegregated in both position and function from the conductive paths thatare provided from the second temple to the lens housing (however,embodiments are not so limited). For instance, in some embodimentscomprising electro-active lenses, the first and second conductive pathsmay be electrically connected to the first lens and the third and fourthconductive paths may be electrically connected to the second lens. Insome embodiments, neither the first nor second conductive path iscoupled to the second lens. Similarly, in some embodiments, neither thethird nor the fourth conductive path may be electrically coupled to thefirst lens. In this regard, the first and second electrical paths may beelectrically isolated from the third and fourth conductive paths basedlargely on the fact that there is no overlap in function or coverage.That is, for instance, the first and second conductive paths may be on afirst side having a first lens, and the third and fourth conductivepaths may be on a second side of the lens housing having the secondlens. This, as noted above, in some embodiments, there may be no need tohave a conductive path across the bridge. However, embodiments are notso limited, and any or all of the conductive paths may cross the bridgeof the electro-active frames.

With reference to FIGS. 11-13, exemplary embodiments of the first devicecomprising a plurality of electrically isolated conductive pathsdisposed on an electro-active spectacles frame are provided. Withreference to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of a device comprisingelectro-active lenses housed within an electro-active frame is provided.As described above, one or more electronic modules that can activate anddeactivate one or both of the electro-active lenses 1106 and 1107 can bepositioned within either or both temples of the electro-active spectacleframe.

As shown in FIG. 11, a full rimmed electro-active spectacle frame isprovided. Moreover, as shown, FIG. 11 is an example of an exemplaryembodiment in which the lens housing may comprise conductive material.As was described above, embodiments are not so limited.

The exemplary device in FIG. 11 comprises an upper rim portion 1101(i.e. a first portion of the lens housing) that may comprise a portionof a first conductive path. The upper rim portion 1101 can be made ofmetal in some embodiments, but is not so limited. The first conductivepath can provide a first link (i.e. an electrical connection) between anelectronics module and a first electronic contact or terminal (notshown) of one or both electro-active lenses or any other electronicscomponents that may be located on the lens housing.

Continuing with the description of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the exemplary electro-active spectacle frame comprises a lowerrim portion 1102 (i.e. a second portion of the lens housing) that maycomprise a portion of a second conductive path. The lower rim portion1102 may also be made of metal, but is not so limited and any conductivematerial may suffice. The second conductive path may provide a secondlink (i.e. electrical connection) between the electronics module and asecond electronic contact or terminal (not shown) of one or bothelectro-active lenses or any other electronics components that may belocated on the lens housing.

By providing the upper 1101 and lower 1102 rim portions, embodiments mayprovide separate conductive routes to both electro-active lenses 1106and 1107. Thus, in some embodiments and as described above, theelectro-active lenses (or any other components located on the lenshousing) can be controlled/powered by a single electronics modulepositioned on either the right or left temple portion of theelectro-active frame. However, embodiments are not so limited and mayprovide for multiple electronics modules located on either or both ofthe temples.

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper 1101 and lower 1102 rim portions, whichmay comprise a portion of the first and second conductive paths,respectively, may together form a bridge 1103 of the electro-activespectacle frames. The bridge 1103 of the electro-active spectacle framescan be formed without having the upper 1101 and lower 1102 rim portionstouching (i.e. in physical or electrical contact), so as to ensureseparate conductive paths (i.e. maintain the first and second conductivepaths as electrically isolated from one another). In addition, the upper1101 and lower 1102 rim portions are physically and electricallyseparated at the ends 1104 and 1105, so as to maintain electricalisolation from the other. The upper 1101 and lower 1102 rim portions maybe coupled to a hinge, temple, or other frame component at the ends 1104and 1105, but at different locations so as to remain electricallyisolated from each other. The rim portions may also be electricallyconnected to the other portions of the first and second conductive pathsat the ends 1104 and 1105.

With reference to FIG. 12, an exemplary illustration of an aestheticcomponent is provided (e.g. a design mask). The design mask comprises anupper snap-on element 1201 and a lower snap-on element 1202. The upper1201 and lower 1202 snap-on elements can be positioned on top of theupper rim portion 1101 and the lower rim portion 1102, respectively. Theupper 1201 and lower 1202 snap-on elements may comprise a non-conductivematerial, such as plastic, but are not so limited. The upper 1201 andlower 1202 snap-on elements can be used to alter the style or design ofthe electro-active spectacles.

With reference to FIG. 13, an exemplary temple 1301 is shown that maycomprise a part of an electro-active spectacles frame. One or moreelectronic components, such as an electronics module, may be coupled tothe temple 1301.

Embodiments Comprising a Compliant Conductive Element

Previously, the inventors developed novel electro-active spectaclelenses that may be manufactured as semi-finished lens blanks capable ofbeing surfaced and edged using methods known to those skilled in the artinto finished spectacle lenses that, for instance, correct a patient'svision (or provide other beneficial functionality, such as tinting,polarizing, filtering, etc.) and fit within a spectacle frame. Theinventors have also developed novel electro-active spectacle frames ofvarious designs capable of operating and/or functioning withelectro-active spectacle lenses and/or other electronic components,including, for example, the exemplary embodiments disclosed above.

As described therein with reference to exemplary lens design andmanufacture, in some embodiments, the finished lenses may be processedfrom semi-finished lens blank using methods and equipment that may beknown to those skilled in the art. In this regard, a means for makingelectrical connections between the frames and the lenses that isconsistent with some or all of those methods and equipment may also bebeneficial. In other instances (or in congruence), it may be beneficialto provide electrical connections between various components disposedon, or within, electro-active frames that may also provide flexibly,adaptability, durability, and/or more reliable electrical contacts.

As detailed below, a means for making such electrical connections (e.g.in a manner that may be consistent with currently used lens processingmethods and/or frame designs) is provided. The means for providing theelectrical connections between components of an electro-active frame(such as the connections from the lens to the frame), as describedherein, may comprise a compliant conductive element. In this manner,embodiments may allow for a robust and forgiving connection consistentwith the requirements related to the regular stress experienced byeyeglasses (such as when taken on and off one's face, being dropped,worn when sleeping, struck with objects, bent by small children, etc.).In addition, embodiments comprising a compliant conductive element thatprovides electrical connections as described herein may be utilized forany and all uses whereby the eyeglass frames houses some, most, or allof the electronics and the lens comprises a component or components thatmust be activated and or deactivated by an electrical current.

As used herein, a “compliant conductive element” may refer to aphysically compliant and compressible material that is electricallyconductive. That is, for instance, the material typically has theproperties that it is physically malleable (e.g. capable of beingdeformed, at least along a surface) but is still electrically conductivesuch that is may comprise a portion of a conductive part. The conductivecompliant element may comprise, by way of example only, conductiverubber. Conductive rubber may include, but is not limited to, an elastichydrocarbon polymer. A particular not limiting example of material thatmay comprise a compliant conductive element includes a metal loadedsilicone elastomer. The compliant conductive element may be preferablyextruded or otherwise molded into a shape that may conform to portionsof either (or both) of the lens housing and lens so as to form anelectrical connection (e.g. an electrically conductive bridge) betweenthe lens and lens housing. The compliant conductive element may also beused to form electrical connections between other portions of the frameand/or other electrical components.

With some or all of the above in mind, a first device may be provided.The first device may include a lens comprising at least a firstelectrical contact. That is, for instance, the first lens may comprisean electro-active lens such that the lens may provide a particularfunctionality, feature, or property when current or voltage is suppliedthat it may not provide when no current or voltage is supplied (or thefunctionality may vary based on the amount of current or voltagesupplied, etc.). Examples of such lenses were provided above. Theelectrical contact of the first lens may be utilized to electricallycouple the lens (or a portion thereof) to other electronic components(such as, for instance, a controller or power supply) that may providesuch voltage or current (e.g., in the form of a control signal or powersupply).

The first device may also comprise a lens housing holding the lens. Thelens housing may include at least a second electrical contact. That is,for instance, the lens housing (such as was defined above) or acomponent therein may comprise a part of a conductive path, and thesecond electrical contact may be used to electrically connect theconductive path to another conductive element (which may also beembedded in the lens housing, coupled the lens housing, or comprise anyother part of the first device or component thereto, such as the lens).

The first device may further comprise a compliant conductive elementdisposed between the first and the second electrical contact thatelectrically connects the first and second electrical contacts. That is,the compliant conductive element may be disposed such as to providecurrent between the first electrical contact and the second electricalcontact (in this exemplary case, between the lens and the lens housing).In this manner, embodiments may supply current (e.g. power or a controlsignal) from a component coupled to another portion of the first device(e.g. on a first temple of an electro-active frame) to the lens via thelens housing.

As noted above, the use of a compliant conductive element may, in someembodiments, provide some advantages over previously used conductors andother means of connecting components in an electro-active frame,particularly when forming connections to an electro-active lens. Forinstance, the use of a compliant conductive element (as described above)may form better electrical connections to the surface of an electricalcontact (particularly shaped surfaces, such as beveled edges) becausethe compliant conductive element may conform substantially to some orall of those surfaces. In this manner, the interface between theelectrical contacts (i.e. the area of the connection) may be larger,providing increased electrical conductivity between the two.

In addition, the use of a compliant conductive element may, in someembodiments, provide for a more robust electrical connection that maywithstand external forces more effectively than previously usedconductors. That is, in part because the electrical connections betweena compliant conductive element and the electrical contacts may comprisea larger area, if a force applied to the device or a portion thereofcauses a part of the electrical connection between the compliantconductive element and one of the electrical contacts to be separated(i.e. no longer directly electrically connected), there may still besufficient contacts in other portions of the interface that may permitsufficient current to transfer between the components so as to result inlittle or no disruption in functionality of the device.

In addition, a compliant conductive element may, in some embodiments,conform and/or adapt to changes in the disposition of a first electricalcontact in relation to a second electrical contact that it is disposedbetween (e.g. in the exemplary device described above, a compliantconductive element may adapt to changes in the disposition of the lenshousing relative to the lens). For instance, if the separation betweenthe lens and the lens housing increases at a location where anelectrical contact is formed between the two components using acompliant conductive element, then in some embodiments, the compliantconductive element may expand in that location so as to maintain theelectrical contact. Similarly, in some embodiments, if there is anincrease in the force applied between the lens housing and the lens (forinstance, an external force is applied to the lens housing causing it tobe misshaped or displaced in the direction of the lens), the compliantconductive element may compress in the location between the componentswhere the force is applied (this may include a temporary displacement,such as when the conductive compliant component absorbs some or all ofthe force applied by compressing and then expanding). By so doing, thecompliant conductive element may, in some embodiments, absorb stressapplied to the first device, and maintain the electrical connectionbetween components.

Moreover, by absorbing some or all of the forces applied thereto, acompliant conductive element may, in some embodiments, prevent or limitdamage to either of the components that comprise the first and secondelectrical contacts. For instance, if a force were applied to a typicaldevice above that which causes the lens and the lens housing to directlycontact, the lens may become chipped at the interface, which couldthreaten the integrity of the lens, the ability of the lens housing tohold the lens, and/or affect the electrical contacts between the twocomponents. The use of conductive compliant material disposed betweenportions of these components may reduce or prevent this direct contact,and may serve to absorb such forces and limit damage.

The use of a compliant conductive element in a first device may, in someembodiments, provide advantages during the manufacture process as well.For instance, as noted above, many lenses are shaped and edged prior tobeing coupled to a lens housing of an electro-active frame. This mayresult in slight differences between each lens that is then coupled orhoused within a lens housing. In embodiments where an electrical contactis formed between these components, the use of a compliant conductiveelement that may adapt or conform to features provided on either of thesurfaces of the electrical contacts, as well as the relative dispositionbetween the two components, may reduce manufacturing costs and defects,and provide for more reliable and suitable devices.

It should be noted that these advantages are provided as examples of theadvantages that some embodiments may provide, and therefore embodimentsdisclosed herein need not have some or all of the advantages describedabove.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatincludes a lens having a first contact, a lens housing having a secondcontact, and a compliant conductive element disposed between, andelectrically connecting, the first and second contacts, the compliantconductive element comprises conductive rubber. That is, conductiverubber is an example of a material that may comprise the compliantconductive element. Conductive rubber may have some of thecharacteristics, such as physical malleability while also havingsufficient conductivity, to provide some or all of the advantages notedabove in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatincludes a lens having a first contact, a lens housing having a secondcontact, and a compliant conductive element disposed between, andelectrically connecting, the first and second contacts, the compliantconductive element may be disposed substantially between the lenshousing and the lens. That is, as noted above, in some embodiments, thecompliant conductive element may be disposed between some or all of theportions of the lens and lens housing. In some embodiments, where thecompliant conductive element is disposed between substantially all ofthe portions of the lens and lens housing, embodiments may comprise thecompliant conductive element being disposed over the entire outersurface of the lens that is directly opposite to a surface of the lenshousing (or only the portions of the outer surface of the lens that havea lens housing surface directly opposing the lens outer surface). Insome embodiments, the compliant conductive element may be disposedbetween portions of the lens and lens housing where an electricalconnection is not made (e.g. portions of the lens and lens housing notcomprising an electrical contact). This may provide some of the benefitsdetailed above, including reducing damage caused by physical contactbetween the relatively rigid surfaces of the lens and lens housing, evenin areas where no electrical connection is made. In some embodiments,the compliant conductive element is only disposed between portions ofthe lens and lens housing that comprises electrical contacts. Thereduction in the amount of the compliant conductive element may therebyreduce manufacturing costs. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 25.In addition, in such embodiments, the lens housing may be manufacturedso as to comprise different portions corresponding to sections that havethe compliant conductive element disposed there between, and those thatdo not. In so doing, the first device may utilize a more efficient lenshousing design to accommodate whether there is or is not compliantconductive material disposed between sections of the lens housing andthe lens. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed in FIGS. 21-25.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thecompliant conductive element has a shape that comprises any one of, orsome combination of: a triangle, a square, a “figure 8,” an oval, acircle, or a rectangle. As used herein, the “shape” of the compliantconductive element may refer to the cross section of the compliantconductive element taken on a plane perpendicular to the longestdimension of the compliant conductive element. For example, in someembodiments where the compliant conductive element is extruded, theshape generally corresponds to the aperture through which the compliantconductive element was extruded. Examples of shapes of the compliantconductive element are shown in FIGS. 20( a)-(c).

In some embodiments, it may be preferred that the shape of the compliantconductive element comprises a “figure 8” because, for instance, thecompliant conductive element may provide structural support and assistin coupling the lens and the lens housing. A “figure 8” may refer to acompliant conductive element that has a shape that comprises two endpieces and a center piece disposed between the two end pieces. The twoend pieces are thicker than the center piece. The two end pieces neednot have the same thickness or the same length.

In some embodiments, it may be preferred that the compliant conductiveelement comprise a square or rectangle shape as opposed to a triangleshape (particularly when the lens has a beveled edge), because thesquare or rectangle shape may provide a greater area of electricalconnectivity by conforming to more of the surface of the lens. This isdue, in some embodiments, to the “triangle” shape resulting in the edgeof the lens compressing the compliant conductive material against anopposing surface of the lens housing without permitting the compliantconductive element to cover the lower portions of the lens surface.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the shape of the compliantconductive element may not conform precisely to a corresponding shape(e.g. rectangle, square, etc.) at the surface of the compliantconductive element. That is, at the surface of at least a portion of theconductive compliant element, the shape of the compliant conductiveelement may be slightly altered as it conforms to an opposite surface ofthe lens or lens housing that it is physically contacted with. Thus, the“shape” of the compliant conductive element may refer to either theshape of the compliant conductive element when disposed between thefirst and the second electrical contacts, or the uncompressed shape ofthe compliant conductive element (i.e. the shape of the compliantconductive element either before it is between the first and secondelectrical contacts, or before it have a force applied to its surface).In addition, it should be understood that in some embodiments, thecompliant conductive element may not comprise any shape, or it maycomprise other shapes than those expressly mentioned, includingirregular shapes and shapes that vary along the length of the compliantconductive element (i.e. the compliant conductive element may not have asingle shape, but the shape may depend on the location of thatparticular portion of compliant conductive element.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thecompliant conductive element includes a first end having a firstthickness, a second end having a second thickness, and a center portionhaving a third thickness that is disposed between, and coupled to, thefirst end and the second end. The first thickness of the first end andthe second thickness of the second end are each greater than the thirdthickness of the center portion. An exemplary embodiment of this shapeis shown in FIG. 20( a). That is, embodiments so described may refer tothe conductive element having a shape that corresponds to a “figure 8,”which may have some or all of the advantages noted above.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thecompliant conductive element may comprise an extrusion. As used herein,an “extrusion” may refer to an object made by squeezing, or otherwisedisposing, material through an aperture that shapes the material. It maybe generally beneficial, in some embodiments, to use an extrusion forsome or all of the compliant conductive element because, for instance,the use of an extrusion may be an efficient manner of disposing thecompliant conductive element between the lens and the lens housing (orbetween any other two components). The space between the lens and thelens housing may be relatively small (on the order of a millimeter), andtherefore an extrusion that may be injected into the cavity(particularly when the material may conform to the shape of the cavity)may be less complex than shaping a conductor into the correct size andshape and inserting it into the cavity. Moreover, it may be less complexto apply the compliant conductive element to portions of the lenshousing that may be difficult to access based, for instance, on thedesign features of the first device. In addition, embodiments thatutilize an extrusions may provide the advantage that compliantconductive element may be disposed between a plurality of differentdesigns of lenses and lens housing, without having to design a specifica component or components for each combination.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the lenscomprises a first surface and the lens housing comprises a firstsurface. The compliant conductive element substantially conforms to atleast a portion of the first surface of the lens and at least a portionof the first surface of the lens housing. As was described above, thecompliant conductive element may have physical properties that permit itto adapt and conform to the interfaces of the components it is disposedbetween based on a force applied to its surface. Thus, in someembodiments, when the conductive compliant element is disposed in thelens housing or cavity thereto (or on a surface of the lens), and whenthe lens and lens housing are then coupled, a force may be applied tothe compliant conductive element disposed between the opposing surfacesof the lens and the lens housing such that the conformation may occur.Embodiments may thereby provide some of the benefits that were describedabove, including the ability to provide better electrical contactsbetween electrical contacts, and maintaining those contacts despitechanges in the relative positions of the surfaces.

In some embodiments, the first device as described further comprises afirst temple coupled to the lens housing and an electronics modulecoupled to the first temple. The compliant conductive element iselectrically connected to the electronics module. As defined above,electrically coupled does not require that the two components be indirect physical contact. Thus, embodiments may provide that the firstdevice comprises a conductive path from the electronics module to thecompliant conductive material. The conductive path could include, forexample, a conductor coupled to the electronics module, a portion of thetemple itself (or a conductor embedded therein), a portion of the lenshousing itself (or a conductor embedded therein), and the secondelectrical contact. As described above, it may be beneficial bothstructurally and aesthetically to locate electronic components in thetemple of an electro-active frame because, for instance, the additionalspace provided (as compared to the lens and lens housing) as well as theability to hide or mask those electronic components relatively out ofsight of an observer (or at least not as pronounced a location as thelens housing or frame).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a first temple coupled to the lens housing and an electronicsmodule coupled to the first temple, the first device further includes aconductor that is substantially embedded within the temple and/or thelens housing. The conductor may electrically connect the electronicmodule to the compliant conductive element. The conductor may compriseany suitable material, including metal. Although the conductor in someembodiments may be embedded substantially within the lens housing and/orthe first temple, the conductor may have portions exposed so as to makeelectrical contacts with other components. As was described above, aconductive path may comprise a number of electrically connectedcomponents, and therefore using a conductor embedded in either thetemple and/or the housing may be a means for efficiently establishing aconductive path from the electronics module to the compliant conductiveelement. The compliant conductive element may then be electricallycoupled to another electronic component (such as an electro-activelens). In this manner, embodiments may provide a conductive path toconduct current (e.g. control signals and/or power) from the temple tothe compliant conductive material (and then, for instance, to theelectro-active lens). As noted above, in some embodiments, a firstportion of the conductor may be exposed and electrically connects theelectronic module to the compliant conductive element. That is, as usedherein, the first portion of the conductor may be “exposed” if it is notsurrounded by a the lens housing along at least a portion of theconductor such that an electrical connection may be made to thecompliant conductive element.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a first temple coupled to the lens housing, an electronicsmodule coupled to the first temple, and a conductor that issubstantially embedded within the temple and/or the lens housing, thelens housing comprises acetate. As noted above, acetate is a commonmaterial used in the manufacture of eyeglass frames, and is generallynon-conductive. Thus, in some embodiments, so as to provide a conductivepath from the electronics module coupled to the first temple, aconductor may be embedded in the lens housing comprising anon-conductive material. It may be generally preferred that a conductoris embedded within a frame element such that the frame element (or aportion thereof) may isolate a conductive path (or a portion thereof)from external forces, such as potential shorts and/or excess voltages.In contrast, in some embodiments where the lens housing comprises aconductive material, the lens housing itself (or a portion thereof) maycomprise a portion of a conductive path that electrically connects theelectronic module to the compliant conductive element.

In some embodiments, the first device as described above comprisessemi-rimless, rimless, or fully rimmed spectacle frames. Exemplaryembodiments of some of these spectacle frames are described below withreference to the figures.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatincludes a lens having a first contact, a lens housing having a secondcontact, and a compliant conductive element disposed between, andelectrically connecting, the first and second contacts, the lensincludes a first groove, the lens housing includes a first cavity, andthe compliant conductive element comprises a first and a second portion.The first portion of the compliant conductive element may be disposedsubstantially within the first groove of the lens. This is shown, forexample in FIGS. 19 and 23-24. As used herein, “disposed within” mayrefer to a portion of the compliant conductive element being locatedsuch that the cavity of the lens housing or the groove of the lenssurrounds approximately three sides of the portion of the compliantconductive element. The second portion of the compliant conductiveelement may be disposed substantially within the first cavity of thelens housing. In this manner, the compliant conductive element maysupport the coupling of the lens and the lens housing, while at the sametime completing electrical connections with electrical contacts on thesurface of each of the lens and the lens housing.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstportion and the second portion of the compliant conductive element areconnected by a bridge. A “bridge” in this context refers to the materialthat is located between the first and second portions of the compliantconductive material. With reference to FIG. 20 for example, firstportions 2002 and 2003 are connected, respectively, to second portions2005 and 2006 by a “bridge.” The bridge in these exemplary embodimentshappens to comprise the same material as the first and second portions.However, the bridge may comprise any shape and any suitable material.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst portion of the compliant conductive element is disposedsubstantially within the first groove of the lens, and the secondportion of the compliant conductive element is disposed substantiallywithin the first cavity of the lens housing, the first portion of thecompliant conductive element has a first shape that comprises any oneof: a triangle, a square, a circle, and a rectangle. In someembodiments, the second portion of the compliant conductive element hasa second shape that comprises any one of: a triangle, a square, acircle, and a rectangle. In general, it is preferred to choose the shapeand dimensions of the portions of the compliant conductive element so asto maximize the electrical contacts that the material can make on thesurfaces of the lens and/or the lens housing. In this regard, it may bebeneficial to choose shapes that maximize the surface area interfacewhen the conductive compliant element is compressed (usually a shapethat corresponds to the shape of either the lens housing cavity or thelens groove. However, embodiments are not so limited. Examples of shapesare provided in FIGS. 20( a)-(c). In some embodiments, the lens has afirst surface that is located within the first groove and at least apart of the first portion of the compliant conductive elementsubstantially conforms to the first surface of the first groove. The“first surface” may comprise as at least a portion of the outermostsurface of the groove of the lens. Again, this is typically the surfaceforms part of the conductive path with the compliant conductivematerial. In this regard, In some embodiments, the first surface of thelens is coated with a conductive paint so as to not only contacts thecompliant conductive material, but may also provide of an easier andbetter connection to the components of the electro-active lens.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst portion of the compliant conductive element is disposedsubstantially within the first groove of the lens, and the secondportion of the compliant conductive element is disposed substantiallywithin the first cavity of the lens housing, the first groove of thelens has width approximately within the range of 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm and adepth approximately within the range of 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm. In someembodiments, the groove of the first lens has width of approximately 0.7mm and a depth of approximately 0.6 mm. As described below, the specificdimensions of the components may depend on the functionality of the lensand lens housing. However, generally it is desirable to have therelative dimensions between the width and of the height cavity, thegroove, and of the compliant conductive element to be relativelysimilar. This may permit the compliant conductive element to ser both astructural role (in coupling the lens and the lens housing, as well asserving as a protective layer of sorts between at least a portion of thelens and the lens component. The dimensions of these components isdiscussed with reference to FIGS. 20 and 23

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst portion of the compliant conductive element is disposedsubstantially within the first groove of the lens, and the secondportion of the compliant conductive element is disposed substantiallywithin the first cavity of the lens housing, the lens housing has afirst surface that is located within the first cavity. The “firstsurface” may comprise at least a portion of the outermost surface of thecavity of the lens housing. A part of the second portion of thecompliant conductive element may substantially conform to the firstsurface of the first cavity. Similar to the connections that thecompliant conductive material forms with the surface of the lens, thecompliant conductive element also forms contacts with portions of thelens housing. However, in some (but certainly not all) embodiments thecontacts formed with the lens housing are to embedded conductors thathave portions exposed and therefore, while beneficial, it may not be asnecessary for the compliant conductive material to conform to as much ofthe surface of the lens housing as it is to conform with the surface ofthe lens.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst portion of the compliant conductive element is disposedsubstantially within the first groove of the lens, and the secondportion of the compliant conductive element is disposed substantiallywithin the first cavity of the lens housing, the compliant conductiveelement has an uncompressed height of at least the distance between thefirst surface of the first groove of the lens and the first surface ofthe first cavity of the lens housing. The “uncompressed height” of thecompliant conductive element is the height of the compliant conductiveelement when the material is not subject to an external stress. The“height” of the compliant conductive element may refer to the dimensionof the element that is substantially perpendicular to the lens housingand the lens. An example illustrating the uncompressed height is shownin FIG. 23( d). In some embodiments, the uncompressed height of thecompliant conductive element is at least 0.75 mm. In some embodiments,the uncompressed height of the compliant conductive element is at least1.45 mm. However, as noted above, the dimensions of the element may varybased on the other dimensions of the device. Generally, the greater theuncompressed height, the more surface covered (and more electricalconnections that can be made) by the compliant conductive element whenit is disposed between the lens and the lens housing. In this regard, insome embodiments, the first surface of the lens housing and the firstsurface of the lens compress at least a portion of the compliantconductive element when the lens housing and the lens are coupled. Inthis manner, the compliant conductive element can form electricalconnections, while also providing ancillary benefits to the device, suchas protecting the rigid components from damage from directly contactingone another.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the lenscomprises a first surface, the lens housing comprises a first cavity,and the compliant conductive element comprises a first surface. Thecompliant conductive element is disposed substantially within the firstcavity of the lens housing, and the first surface of the compliantconductive element substantially conforms to the first surface of thelens. In some embodiments, the first surface of the lens comprises afirst and second beveled edge. A “beveled edge” may refer to aninclination that is cut into a lens that forms an angle, including anangle equal to 90 degrees. The lens usually comprises a beveled edge(rather than a groove) in embodiments comprising full rimed frames(rather than semi-rimless frames), where the lens may be coupled to thelens housing based on the portion of the lens being disposed inside acavity of the lens housing. In some embodiments, the first cavity has afirst width and the compliant conductive element has an uncompressedwidth that is greater than the first width of the cavity. The“uncompressed width” may refer to the width of the compliant conductiveelement when the rubber is not subject to external stress. This isillustrated in FIG. 23( e) and described below.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, where thecompliant conductive element is disposed substantially within a firstcavity of the lens housing, and where a first surface of the compliantconductive element substantially conforms to a first surface of thelens, the cavity of the lens housing has a top surface. A portion of thelens extends into the first cavity of the lens housing. The compliantconductive element has an uncompressed height that is approximatelyequal to or greater than a distance from the top surface of the cavityof the lens housing to the portion of the lens that extends into thefirst cavity. This concept is illustrated in FIG. 23( d). Generally, thecompliant conductive element preferably has a height such that when thelens is disposed in the cavity of the lens housing, a portion of thelens contacts, and thereby compresses the compliant conductive element.As noted above, it is generally beneficial to have a height that issubstantially greater than this minimum distance to provide more robustelectrical connections. The “top surface” may refer to the surface ofthe lens housing that is opposite the lens.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thecompliant conductive element comprises metal loaded silicon elastomers.In some embodiments, the metal comprises silver and aluminum (AG-Al).However, any material that has the physical properties described abovewith reference to the compliant conductive material may be used.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thecompliant conductive element has a volume resistivity that is less than10 Ω-cm. In some embodiments, in the first device as described above,the compliant conductive element has a volume resistivity that less than1 Ω-cm. The “volume resistivity” may refer to the electricalresistivity, resistivity, or specific electrical resistance. Generally,it is preferable to have a low volume resistivity for a conductorbecause there will be less losses associated with the resistance. Thismay be particularly important in some embodiments, as the compliantconductive element may be compressed, which may thereby increase thedensity, and concurrently increase the resistivity of the element. Thus,it may be important in some embodiments to choose a material that has alow resistivity, even when uncompressed such that its volume isdecreased.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thecompliant conductive element has a hardness on the shore durometer Ascale that is greater than 50. In some embodiments, the compliantconductive element has a hardness on the shore durometer A scale that isgreater than 65. The hardness of the element refers to its ability toconform to surfaces under pressure, as well as a materials generalmalleability. As noted above, in some embodiments, to form optimalconnections, the compliant conductive element conforms to the shape ofthe lens and/or lens housing surfaces. In some embodiments, thecompliant conductive element has a hardness on the shore durometer Ascale that approximate equal to 70 and a volume resistivity ofapproximately 0.0008 Ω-cm.

Although described above with relation to a lens and a lens housing,embodiments are not so limited and may provide for the use of compliantconductive element between any two electrical contacts that may bedisposed on any component or components of a first device (e.g. anelectro-active frame).

It should be understood that, after reading the disclosure providedherein, a person of ordinary skill in the art may understand thatvarious combination of the devices described above may be made such thatsome or all of the features described with regards to one device may becombined with some or all of the features of another device.

Description of Figures Related to a Compliant Conductive Element andExemplary Embodiments

Provided below is a more detailed description of some of the figuresincluded herein that may relate to a compliant conductive element, aswell as descriptions of the exemplary embodiments disclosed. As noted,these exemplary devices are for illustration purposes and are notintended to be limiting.

With reference, to FIG. 14, an exemplary electro-active frame 1400 foruse with electro-active lenses and/or other electronic components isshown. The exemplary electro-active frame 1400 can comprise lens housing1404 (such as eye-wire) comprising any material such as, but not limitedto, a plastic (e.g., acetate). In some embodiments, the electro-activeframe 1400 can be made by a mold or other techniques, such as injectionmolding. Additionally, some embodiments may provide that theelectro-active frame 1400 can be made from one or more separately formedor fabricated pieces that are brought together (i.e. coupled) to form acomplete electro-active frame.

The compliant conductive element 1401 (such as, for example, aconductive rubber) may, in some embodiments, be used to conduct anelectronic signal from one side of the electro-active frame 1400 or lenshousing 1404 (or one component thereon) to another side of theelectro-active frame 1400 or lens housing 1404 (or another componentthereon, including a lens 1405). In some embodiments, the compliantconductive element 1401 may be encapsulated by (e.g. substantiallysurrounded by or embedded within) an insulator (such as the lens housing1404 that comprises a plastic material). In some embodiments, thecompliant conductive element 1401 may be positioned (e.g. disposed)inside the electro-active frame 1400 (or the lens housing 1404) as theelectro-active frame 1400 is being fabricated (such as, for instance,during a molding process or an injection molding process). In someembodiments, the compliant conductive element 1401 may also bepositioned inside cavities of the lens housing 1404 after the lenshousing 1404 has been fabricated. This will be described in more detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 18-25. In some embodiments, the compliantconductive element 1401 may be positioned between two frame halves (orbetween a plurality of portions of the electro-active lens frame) thatare subsequently brought together and sealed.

In some embodiments, the compliant conductive element 1401 may bepositioned in or near the nose bridge 1403 to provide connectivity froma first side of the electro-active frame 1400 (and/or lens housing 1404)to a second side of the electro-active frame 1400 (and/or lens housing1404). The use of such material in the bridge 1403 may permit the nosebridge in such embodiments to be relatively small, which could provide amore aesthetically pleasing frame appearance. These embodiments may alsobe combined, for instance, with a single electronics module located onone of the temples that provides electronic signals and/or current toboth a first lens and a second lens 1405 (that is, the conductivecompliant material 1401 may provide a conductive path from a first partof the lens housing 1404 comprising a first lens 1405 to a second partof the lens housing 1404 comprising a second lens 1405). In someembodiments, the compliant conductive element 1401 may be positioned onthe back side of the electro-active frame 1400 (and/or lens housing1404) (e.g. on the side facing the wearer's head) or buried within(e.g., embedded within) the electro-active frame 1400 (and/or lenshousing 1404).

Continuing with reference to FIG. 14, at the hinges 1402 of theelectro-active frame 1400, the compliant conductive element 1401 mayform one or more electrical contacts with a temple (and/or componentsdisposed thereon) of the electro-active frame 1400. That is, thecompliant conductive material 1401 may form a portion of a conductivepath by providing electrical connections at or near the hinge 1402 withconductors disposed on (or coupled to) the temple of the electro-activeframe 1400. In some embodiments, the hinge 1402 itself may comprise aconductive material and may electrically connect to the compliantconductive element 1401 and a conductor coupled to the temple. In someembodiments, the hinge 1402 may comprise the same material as thecompliant conductive element 1401.

With reference to FIG. 15, an assembled exemplary electro-active frame1400 comprising compliant conductive element 1401 disposed within thelens housing 1404 is shown. When positioned (e.g. disposed) within theelectro-active frame 1400 (and as shown, in lens housing 1404), thecompliant conductive element 1401 need not be visible (e.g., at least aportion of the compliant conductive element 1401 may be disposed orpositioned in the lens housing 1404 (e.g. the eye wire) of a fullyrimmed or semi-rimless frame). Indeed, it may be preferred in someembodiments that the compliant conductive element 1401 is not visiblefor aesthetic reasons. In addition, embodiments comprising the compliantconductive element 1401 partially or completely embedded within one ormore of the frame components may both provide electrical connections andalso result in better protection for the conductive path created therebyfrom exterior forces and stresses, (for instance, the components may beless susceptible to short circuits and/or external electrical voltagesand currents).

FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose an exemplary embodiment whereby the compliantconductive element 1401 comprises four separate conductive paths (i.e.two on the left side of the lens housing 1404 and two on the right sideof the lens housing 1404). This may provide two separate conductivepaths (and two electrical contacts) to each of the lenses 1405. In thismanner, embodiments may make available the necessary electricalconnections to provide power and or control signals to electro-activelenses 1405 or other components disposed on the lens housing 1404. Inaddition, in embodiments where the compliant conductive element 1401 (orother conductor) is also located in the bridge 1403, the lens housing1404 may comprise two conductive paths—a first that electricallyconnects to a first electrical contact on each of the lenses 1405, and asecond conductive path that is electrically isolated from the firstconductive path and that electrically connects to a second electricalcontact of each of the lenses 1405. Similar embodiments were discussedwith reference to Single Electronics Module embodiments disclosed above.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the assembly of a portion of anelectro-active frame. In some embodiments, the frame may comprise core1601 that may comprise, for example, a steel wire. The exemplarycomponents as shown are similar to those discussed with reference toFIGS. 3-10. Specifically, the components as shown for the exemplaryelectro-active frame include: A core element 1601, which may in someembodiments comprise a conductive material and may be coupled to ordisposed within the temple 1602 so as to provide a portion of aconductive path from one component to another. As shown, the coreelement 1601 may, for instance, provide a conductive path from thetemple end (which may comprise, e.g., a power source) to the electronicsmodule 1605. A housing module 1603 is shown, which may house theelectronics module 1605 and be coupled to the temple 1602. In someembodiments, the housing module 1603 may comprise a portion of thetemple 1602. A switch 1604 (such as a capacitance or “cap” switch) isshown, which may be coupled to the electronics module 1605 and/or thehousing module 1603 to provide a switch or control for the electronicsmodule 1605. For instance, and as shown in FIG. 16, the housing module1603 may have an opening that may allow a wearer to interact with switch1604 so as to turn a function on or off, or to otherwise vary thefunctions provided by an electro-active spectacle. The electronicsmodule 1605, the switch 1604, and the housing module 1603 may be coupledusing any suitable manner, including one or more screws (as shown inFIG. 16) and/or two sided adhesive tape. One or more conductors 1606 mayalso be included to provide one or more electrical contacts (e.g.conductive paths) from the electronics module 1605 to the lens housing.The conductors 1606 could, for instance, electrically connect to the oneor more conductive paths provided by compliant conductive element 1401shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. A hinge 1607 is also shown, which may becoupled to the temple 1602 or a component thereof (such as the housingmodule 1603) and also to the lens housing. The hinge 1607 may providethe capability for each of these components to move relative to theother while remaining coupled. In some embodiments, the hinge 1607 maycomprise one or more conductors, or may itself comprise conductivematerial so as to form a conductive path or portion thereof.

FIG. 17 illustrates the components shown in FIG. 16 coupled together inan exemplary embodiment. As can be seen, the core element 1601 is nolonger visible as it is embedded within the temple 1602. Similarly, theelectronics module 1605 is housed within the housing module 1603 andcovered (and likely coupled to) on one side by the switch 1604. Thehinge 1607 is coupled to the housing module 1603. The conductors 1606may be embedded substantially within portions of the hinge 1607 and/orhousing module 1603 so as to form a portion of a conductive path betweenthe electronics module 1604 and the lens housing.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, exemplary embodiments of semi-rimlessspectacle frame designs will be described. It should be noted thatalthough many of these concepts will be described therefore in thecontext of semi-rimless frames, many of the features and principles mayalso be used with (or applicable to) other frames, such as full rimmedand rimless. Moreover, these embodiments are for illustration purposes,and are thereby not intended to be limiting.

FIGS. 18 (a) and (b) illustrate a typical exemplary semi-rimless frame1800. FIG. 18( a) shows a frontal view of the semi-rimless lenses, andFIG. 18( b) shows the cross-section from the points X to X′ of theelectro-active frames 1800. As shown, the lenses 1803 are supportedalong their upper edge by a rigid portion of the frame 1802 (e.g.eye-wire, which may comprise a material such as metal) and supportedalong their lower edge by a section of clear plastic monofilament 1804(typically nylon) that is connected to the rigid upper portion 1802 ofthe lens housing. The monofilament 1804 is shown as being disposedwithin a groove 1807 in the edge of the lens 1803. The length of themonofilament 1804 may be such that it is under tension when the lens1803 is mounted in the frame and may thereby hold the lens in place.

With reference to FIG. 18( b), a close-up of the cross section X-X′ ofFIG. 18( a) is shown so as to better illustrate an exemplary means bywhich the lens may be secured in a semi-rimless frame. As shown in thisexemplary embodiment, the eye-wire 1802 may contain a cavity 1805 thatsecures a portion of an extrusion of a semi-rigid plastic 1801(typically nylon) with a “figure-8” cross section. The remaining portionof the extrusion 1801 is disposed in the groove of the lens 1806 andkeeps the lens 1803 from moving back and forth. In those portions of theouter surface of the lens 1803 that do not come into contact with the“figure-8” extrusion 1801 (e.g. along groove 1807), the nylonmonofilament 1804 may essentially take the place of the extrusion 1801as shown in this exemplary embodiment. As the monofilament 1804 may becolorless and may be disposed completely (or substantially) within thelens groove 1807, it may be nearly invisible except under closeinspection.

It should be noted that construction of an electro-active capablesemi-rimless frame design has been disclosed by the inventors in U.S.Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0177277 A1. Embodiments of frames disclosed thereinmay be similar in appearance to the exemplary embodiment of a frameshown in FIG. 18( b). Some of the differences that may enable theelectro-active functionality of the frames disclosed therein may berelated to the particular details of how the frame is constructed andthe use of other novel conductive structures, which are described indetail in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0177277 A1, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 19( a) and (b) illustrate a comparison between an exemplarysemi-rimless frame that is not electro-active, and an exemplaryembodiment of an electro-active frame comprising electro-active lenses1913. That is, FIG. 19( a) shows a cross-section of a conventionalsemi-rimless frame, while FIG. 19( b) illustrates a cross section of aframe that is essentially the electro-active counterpart of the frameshown in FIG. 19( a). In both FIGS. 19( a) and 19(b), a monofilament1904 is used along the lower portion of the lens (1903 or 1913) disposedwithin groove 1907 so as to keep the lens (1903 or 1913) secure withinthe frame. In some embodiments of the electro-active frame shown in FIG.19( b), the eye-wire 1902 may be made of an electrically conductivematerial. However, this need not be the case, as a conductive path maybe established within the eye-wire 1902 (and/or other components of thelens housing) using any suitable method, such as by, for instance,embedding a conductor within a non-conductive material. During themanufacturing process, in embodiments where the eye-wire 1902 comprisesa conductive material, care may be taken to ensure that no coatings orfinishes are applied to the inside of the eye-wire 1902 such that anelectrically conductive surface is maintained (e.g. within the cavity1905).

With reference to FIG. 19( b), in some embodiments (and for the purposesof illustration only), an electro-active lens may comprise an interface1908 between two substrates that contains internal electrodes foractivating the lens 1913. This has been previously described by theinventors, such as in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0177277 A1, which ishereby incorporated by reference. However, as noted above, embodimentsare not so limited and the methods, devices, and means disclosed hereinmay have applicability to any electro-active frame and/or componentstherein (e.g. any type of electro-active lens). During an exemplarymanufacturing process comprising edging the exemplary electro-activelens 1913, the groove 1906 may be placed such that it straddles thisinterface 1908 (which may, for example, comprise a liquid crystal layerbetween two electrodes).

Continuing with the exemplary manufacturing process, the lens 1913 maybe edged and grooved, and one or more electrically conductive inks orpaints 1909 may be applied to the locations where the electrodes areexposed within the groove 1906. The inks and paints may be used so as toprovide a conductive path to the electrodes of the lens 1913 withoutsubstantially impairing the visual properties of the lens 1913, or beingvisible by an observer. In some embodiments, the groove 1906 may bebetween 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm wide (i.e. the horizontal distance shown inFIG. 19( b)) and between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm deep (i.e. the verticaldistance in FIG. 19( b)). The inventors have found that, in someembodiments, it may be preferred that the groove 1906 may beapproximately 0.7 mm wide and 0.6 mm deep. Generally, the groove shouldbe such that the extrusion or other material 1911 (or a portion thereof)may be disposed within the groove and assist in coupling the lens to thelens housing. However, it is generally not preferred that the groove betoo large, as it may become visible and affect the aesthetics of thedevice.

In some embodiments comprising an electro-active lens, to provide a lens1913 that functions properly, a conductive pathway is made between theinner surface of the eye-wire 1902 and the conductive paint 1909 appliedto the groove 1906 of the lens 1913 (i.e. the surface of the lens 1913that comprises the groove 1906). This may be accomplished with the useof a compliant conductive element 1911. The compliant conductive elementmay be a physically compliant yet electrically conductive material thatmay, in some embodiments, be extruded in a shape that fits substantiallywithin the eye-wire 1902 and the groove 1906 of the lens 1913. Such adesign may provide some or all of the advantages that were detailedabove, including providing a conductive path between the lens housingand the lens, providing structural support for the device, preventing orminimizing damage to the rigid surfaces of the lens 1913 and lenshousing 1902, etc.

As was described above, the compliant conductive element may take anyshape and have any suitable dimensions. In this regard, FIG. 20 (a)shows a cross section of an exemplary conventional extrusion (i.e.non-conductive) 2000 and its exemplary dimensions (in mm), while FIGS.(b) and (c) show a cross section and dimensions (in mm) of two exemplarycompliant conductive elements 2010 that may be used, for instance, insemi-rimless electro-active frames. FIG. 20( a) discloses a typical“figure 8” shape of a non-conducive element 2000, while FIGS. 20( b) and(c) disclose shapes that vary slightly from the non-conductivecomponent. The upper portions (i.e. first portions) 2001, 2002, and 2003of each of these elements are similar, as they may each, for example, bedesigned to fit within the same lens frame component (e.g. an eye-wire).As depicted, each of the compliant conductive elements 2010 have adifferent shaped lower portion (i.e. second portion) 2005 and 2006 fromthat of the non-conductive extrusion lower portion 2004. This may be dueto the fact that the compliant conductive elements 2010 may be designedto come into contact with the conductive painted regions within the lensgroove, and form electrical connections thereto.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 20 (a), (b), and (c), as depicted, theoverall vertical dimensions of the conductive compliant elements 2010are larger than the traditional non-conductive “figure 8” extrusion2000. This may be done in some embodiments to ensure that when the lensis mounted in the frame (i.e. within the cavity of the frame) the bottomof the lens groove comes into contact with the bottom (i.e. secondportion) 2005 and 2006 of the compliant conductive elements, such thatthe lens may compress it slightly. With the compliant conductive element2010 under compression, it will likely maintain the physical (and henceelectrical) connection between the lens, the compliant conductiveelement 2010, and eye-wire at substantially all times, particularly asthe frame flexes during donning and doffing the eye wear.

One of the important dimensions to ensure compression of the conductivecompliant element is the “height,” of the second portion of theconductive compliant element, which is shown as 0.75 mm for one of thecompliant conductive elements 2010 by way of example only. The totalheight of this exemplary compliant conductive element is shown as 1.45mm (0.75 mm+0.7 mm). As noted, the compliant conductive element 2010could be made available in different heights to, for example,accommodate variations in lens processing (lens size and groove depth).While the design of the compliant conductive elements 2010 in FIG. 20(c) will likely function to form an electrical contact with portions ofthe surface of the lens (based on the height as shown), the width(horizontal dimension) is shown as not being optimized for the exemplarywidth of the groove of the lens and therefore its performance inconducting electricity may not be ideal. That is, the width of thebottom portion 2006 shown in FIG. 20( c) is not as wide as the groove inthe lens. In contrast, the compliant conductive element 2010 in FIG. 20(b) is depicted as having a width that has been optimized—i.e. the widthis larger, making it more likely that this configuration will make morerobust electrical contacts. It should be noted that compliant conductiveelement 2010 made to the exact (or similar) shape as the “figure 8”design used for the non-conductive extrusion 2000 are, in someembodiments, the least preferred design as there may be no means toguarantee that the conductive compliant element 2010 will be compressedagainst the edge of the lens and hence provide a robust electricalconnection.

It should be understood that the dimensions provided on FIGS. 20( a)-(c)are provided for illustration only, and are by no means limiting.Indeed, the dimensions of these components may vary based on thedimensions of the lens (and the lens groove) and the lens housing (andany cavity provided therein).

In general, from the standpoint of aesthetics, the electro-activesemi-rimless frame design is may be particularly useful. For instance,through the use of appliques, facades and various lens shapes the basicsemi-rimless frame shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2010/0177277 A1 can take on the look of many different styles whileretaining its electro-active functionality.

Exemplary Embodiments Related to Full Rim Spectacle Frame Deigns

A typical full rim plastic frame (also referred to as zyl or acetate)known to those skilled in the art is shown in FIG. 21, where the lenses2101 are supported along their entire circumference by a rigid plasticframe 2102. While an electro-active capable plastic frame was discussedwith reference to FIGS. 14-17, additional embodiments are shown withreference to FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 22, a physically continuousconductive pathway (e.g. an embedded conductor, such as a wire) is usedto apply the driving voltage (e.g. the waveform) to the lenses and routesynchronization signals from the master 2207 to the slave module 2208.That is, for instance as shown in FIG. 22, the embedded conductor 2201may provide a conductive path across the lens housing from the masterelectronics module 2207 to the slave electronics module 2208. As notedabove, embodiments that utilize a single electronics may also be used.Furthermore, FIG. 22 also shows openings in the metal casings 2206 thatmay hold modules or other components that allow the electronics modules2207 and 2208 to be charged inductively. This may be beneficial in thatsuch embodiments may provide power without the use of batteries (or maysupplement the use of batteries to provide longer lifetime).

Continuing with reference to the embodiments shown in FIG. 22, a topconductor 2201 is shown embedded within the lens housing (that maycomprise, e.g. acetate) and may carry a driving electronic signal fromthe right lens to the left lens. In addition, in some embodiments, theembedded conductor 2201 may also carry the power signal between the twolenses so as to synchronize the functionality between both lenses.Embedded conductor 2202 may carry the reference electronic signal to thelenses (e.g. ground). FIG. 22 also designates locations 2203 wherespecial square (or any other appropriate shape) beveling into the lenshousing (e.g. into the acetate frame front) may occur so as to (1)expose portions of the embedded conductors 2201 and 2202; (2) embedcompliant conductive material; and/or (3) allow for an electricalconnection between the exposed portions of the embedded conductors 2201and 2202 to the compliant conductive element. That is, in the exemplaryembodiment, the portions designated by 2203 may be the locations inwhich the conductive compliant material may be disposed within the lenshousing, and where the conductive path from the lens housing to the lensmay be created. FIG. 22 also indicates where the use of conductors 2204(such as pogo pins) may be located so as to provide a conductive pathfrom the temple to the lens housing (e.g. to the embedded conductors2201 and 2202). FIG. 22 also shows an exemplary location of a hinge 2205to couple the temple to the lens housing.

With initial reference to FIG. 21, FIG. 23 shows a cross section view ofthe sections X-X′ and Y-Y′ for a conventional full rim design (FIG. 23(a)) and of an exemplary electro-active full rim design comprising acompliant conductive element (FIGS. 23( b)-(e)).

As noted, FIG. 23( a) shows the cross-section X-X′ of a conventionalfull rim (i.e. non-conductive) plastic frame with a lens 2302 possessinga beveled edge that sits (i.e. is disposed) within a similarly beveledregion of an eye wire 2301. That is, the lens 2302 is designed to have atop surface that substantially matches a bottom surface of the lenshousing (i.e. the eye rim). This is one way in which traditional lensdesign coupled the lens to the lens housing.

FIG. 23( b) shows the section X-X′ of an electro-active capable plasticframe in a region where no electrical contact is required. The basicconstruction is similar to that of the conventional frame design exceptthat there is an embedded conductive pathway 2304 (e.g. metal wire orsimilar). As the conductive pathway 2304 is completely encased withinthe insulating material of the eye wire 2301 at this location, there isno electrical contact between the lens 2302 and lens housing 2301 (or aconductive path 2304 embedded therein).

FIG. 23( c) shows the section Y-Y′ of an electro-active capable plasticframe in a region where electrical contact between lens housing 2301 andlens 2302 is required. In this region a square cavity 2305 is machinedinto the eye-wire 2301 that exposes the embedded conductive pathway 2304(e.g. metal wire or similar). The cavity 2305 may also accept acompliant conductive element 2307 that may, in some embodiments, beextruded or otherwise configured into a rectangular shape. As also shownin FIG. 23( c), the top surface of the lens 2302 may be configured to bedisposed within a portion of the cavity 2305 as well.

FIG. 23( d) shows the cavity 2305 and the compliant conductive element2307 in detail. As with the semi-rimless electro-active frame, it may bedesirable to have the edge of the lens 2302 that is coated with theconductive paint 2306 come into physical contact with the compliantconductive element 2307 and compress it (as shown by compression region2308) before the remainder of the circumference (i.e. the top surface)of the lens 2302 comes into contact with the conventionally beveledsections of the eye-wire 2301 (e.g. in the section defined by X-X′ inFIG. 21, where no electrical contacts are made). As described above,with the compliant conductive element 2307 under compression (i.e. basedon the force applied by the surface in the cavity 2305 of the lenshousing 2301 and the top surface of the lens 2302), it will maintain thephysical (and hence electrical) connection between the lens 2302,complaint conductive element 2307, and conductive pathway 2304, even asthe frame flexes during donning and doffing the eye wear.

The dimensions of the compliant conductive element 2307 are generallydetermined by the dimensions of the cavity 2305 and the position of thecavity 2305 relative to the conventional lens bevel. The minimum height(H_(min)) of compliant conductive element 2307 may be the distancebetween the apex of the conventional lens bevel 2306 and the bottom ofthe cavity 2305 as shown in FIG. 23( d). Generally, as values of theuncompressed height (H_(uncompressed)) increase above H_(min), the morerobust the electrical connection between the compliant conductiveelement 2307, the lens 2302, and the lens housing 2301 (and/or theembedded conductive pathway 2304). Maximum values of the height H may bedetermined empirically based on how compressible the compliantconductive element material is such that lens 2302 (or a portionthereof) can still be mounted into the lens housing 2301 using methodsknown in the art. That is, the maximum height may be the height at whichthe compliant conductive element 2307 will still compress sufficientlythat the lens 2302 is adequately disposed within the cavity 2305 andthereby coupled to the lens housing 2301.

With reference to FIG. 23( e), the width of the conductive compliantelement 2307 is preferably a small amount (δ) larger than the width ofthe groove W such that the compliant conductive element 2307, onceinserted into the cavity 2305, remains in place without the need foradhesives while the lens 2302 is mounted. The inventors have found thata δ value within the range of approximately 1 mm to 0.5 mm was preferredand functioned well for this purpose. In an exemplary embodiment, arectangular compliant conductive element approximately 2.1 mm wide (fora 2.0 mm wide cavity) and 1.2 mm tall enabled a robust electricalconnection between lens 2302 and a lens housing with a δ value ofapproximately 0.1 mm (100 μm).

Exemplary Embodiments Comprising Full Rim Metal Spectacle Frame Designs

As noted above, the specific embodiments discussed herein are exemplaryonly, and other embodiments may exist that utilize the same or similarprinciples. For instance, in some embodiments, it may be desirable tohave an electro-active capable frame with a full metal rim manufacturedfrom a conductive material. A cross section for such a frame is shown inFIG. 24. In this exemplary embodiment, the eye-wire 2401 contains asquare cavity 2402 to which preferably no coatings or finishes have beenapplied such that the conductive surface of the eye-wire 2402 materialis easily contacted. Into the cavity 2402 another conductive compliantmaterial 2403 may be mounted (e.g. disposed within) that may make theelectrical connection between the lens 2404 and frame (e.g. the lenshousing 2401). In areas where the electrical connection need not bemade, then the compliant conductive element 2403 may be omitted and theedges of the square cavity 2402 in the eye-wire 2401 support the bevelof the electro-active lens 2404. In other embodiments the conductivecompliant element 2403 may be mounted (i.e. disposed within) in allparts of the eye-wire cavity 2402 and only those areas of the lens 2404to which conductive paint is applied make electrical contact. The shapeof the conductive compliant element may be any shape, includingrectangular (similar to the exemplary embodiments described above withrespect to the exemplary full-rim plastic rim) or embodiments may have aslight bevel. The conductive compliant element 2405 shown with theslight bevel in FIG. 24 may also be suitable for full rim plastic framesin other embodiments.

As with the previously described frame designs, it is preferred to havethe edge of the lens that is coated with the conductive paint come intophysical contact with the compliant conductive material and compress itbefore the remainder of the circumference of the lens comes into contactwith the remainder of the eye-wire. As described above, with thecompliant conductive element under compression, it will maintain thephysical and hence electrical connection between lens, compliantconductive element, and lens housing (e.g. conductive pathway),particularly as the frame flexes during donning and doffing the eyewear.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment comprising a conductivecompliant element 2501 providing a conductive path from the lens housing2500 to an electro-active lens 2507. The illustration on the left ofFIG. 25 shows a close up of an exemplary electro-active frame. The framecomprises a lens housing 2500 that could, for instance comprise anon-conductive material such as a plastic (e.g. acetate). Embeddedwithin the lens housing 2500 is a conductor 2503. As shown in thisexemplary embodiment, conductor 2503 is electrically connected to thetemple at 2506, which could for instance comprise another conductor,such as a pogo pin. Conductor 2503 is also connected to compliantconductive element 2501 in cavity 2502 (for instance, the conductor 2503may be exposed at some portions along the cavity 2502. As shown,conductive compliant material 2501 is located within a portion of cavity2502. A second conductive path is also shown, comprising a secondembedded conductor 2504, which also connects to a compliant conductiveelement 2501 disposed within a cavity 2502 in the lens housing 2500. Thesecond embedded conductors 2504 electrically connects to a temple at apoint 2506. Thus, as shown, FIG. 25 illustrates an electro-active framethat comprises two separate conductive paths from a temple to the lens2507 via compliant conductive elements 2501. In portions of the lenshousing 2500 where the conductive compliant element 2501 is not located,the lens housing 2500 comprises a cavity 2508 that may be of atraditional shape (e.g. not square) in which a portion of the lens 2507(e.g. a beveled edge) may be disposed within. A hinge 2505 that couplesa temple to the lens housing 2500 is shown as well.

On the right of FIG. 25 are shown closes up of the cross sections shownas A-A and B-B on the illustration on the left of FIG. 25. As shown, insection A-A, an electrical connection is formed between conductor 2503,compliant conductive element 2501, and lens 2507. The cavity 2502 isshown as comprising a rectangular shape, and the compliant conductiveelement 2501 is shown as having dimensions such that it is substantiallydisposed within the cavity 2501 (dimensions in mm). At location B-B,there is no electrical contact made as the electro-active frame does notcomprise a compliant conductive element 2501 in this location. Thecavity 2508 is shown in this section, and the lens housing 2500 is shownas encapsulating the conductor 2503 such that no contact is made withthe lens at this location. The last illustration is a cross sectionshowing an overlap of the sections A-A and B-B, where the differentbetween cavity 2508 and 2502 (comprising conductive element 2501) can beseen.

Material Composition of the Conductive Complaint Element and Inks

As discussed above, the conductive compliant element, regardless of theframe design, may, for example, comprise a physically compliant yetelectrically conductive material that is extruded or otherwise moldedinto a shape that conforms to both the frame and lens for the purpose offorming an electrically conductive path (i.e. bridge) between lens andframe. While many different classes of material are suitable, goodresults have been obtained by the inventors when metal loaded siliconeelastomers are used with volume resistivities of less than 10 Ω-cm andpreferred results are obtained with volume resistivities of less than 1Ω-cm. It has also been found that a material having values greater than50 on the shore durometer A scale are suitable, but that values greaterthan 65 are preferred. The inventors have achieved good results withextruded silver and aluminum (Ag-AI) loaded silicone elastomer with avolume resistivity of 0.008 Ω-cm and a Shore A hardness of 70. However,embodiments are not so limited.

While such materials are typically manufactured to final shape prior toassembly into the electro-active frames, in certain embodiments, it mayalso be possible to apply uncured material in liquid or gel formimmediately prior to assembling the eye wear such that upon cure thematerial conforms to both the lens and frame (e.g. the lens housing)simultaneously and thus forms an electrically conductive path (e.g.bridge) in that manner. This may be preferred in some embodiments, asthe compliant conductive material may thereby contact the greatestamount of the surface of both the lens and the lens housing, and maythereby maximize the electrical connections thereon.

In some embodiments comprising an electro-active lens, the conductivepaint(s) or ink(s) applied to the edge of the lens to establish anelectrical connection may be dependent upon the conductive materialsused to make the internal electrodes of the lens itself. As theseelectrodes will typically be in the line of sight to both the wearer andviewer of the lenses, it is preferred to have a transparent conductivematerial such as ITO ink mixture X-806CN27S which is commerciallyavailable from Sumitomo Metal Mining of Japan, by way of example only.For lenses manufactured with this ink formulation, once edged andgrooved, an additional amount of the X-806CN27S may be applied to theedge of the lens and cured. To establish a more robust electricalconnection, a second conductive ink or paint may be applied over thecured X-806CN27S. While many conductive metal inks (silver and/or nickelbased) are available, conductive carbon based inks are preferred forcosmetic reasons. Carbon based conductive inks are preferred as they donot oxidize (i.e. change color) with age and are not as bright inappearance as metal based inks. By way of example only, a conductivecarbon ink such as mixture 122-49, commercially available from CreativeMaterials Incorporated may be preferred.

Electronic Frames Comprising a Housing Module

When designing and fabricating spectacles that comprise one or moreelectronic components, the manner in which these components areincorporated with the spectacle frames may also be considered. In someinstances, the electronic components may be inserted or coupled to theframes of the electronic spectacles (for instance in a cavity of thetemple or the lens housing). The electronic component or components maybe inserted during fabrication or included thereafter. For example, insome embodiments in which the frame comprises a plastic material (suchas acetate), the frame may be molded around the electronics duringfabrication (such as during molding or injection molding of theplastic). However, this may limit access to the electronics, and mayprevent repair or replacement. Moreover, the plastic material may expandand contract during the fabrication process, which may result in theframe components also changing size and/or shape. Molding the framesaround the electronic components (such as around an electronics module)may result in spectacle frames that are not uniform, that have defectsaround the electronic components, are not structurally sound, do notprovide access to the components therein, etc.

In some embodiments, a cavity may be formed in one of the components ofthe frame (such as one of the temples) during the fabrication process inwhich the electronics may be disposed either during fabrication orthereafter. Examples of such embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 3-10,where the electronics module 307 is shown as being inserted into (orplaced within) the cavity 308 and coupled thereto with a fastener (suchas a screw, adhesive, etc.). Further examples are shown in FIGS. 16-17,where the electronic frames comprise a housing module 1603 that isattached to one of the temples and houses an electronics module 1605(i.e. the electronics module is disposed therein). FIGS. 16 and 17 aredescribed in more detail below. In some instances, when the frame (or acomponent thereof) comprises a plastic material (such as acetate) then,as noted above, the plastic material may expand and contract with heat,creating pressure on the electronics within the cavity and/or causingportions of the frame to deform around the components. Therefore, insome embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize a component (e.g. ahousing module) that may be used to support the electronics and/orelectronics module within (or coupled to) a structural element of theframe (such as the temple of the frame or the lens housing). In thisregard, in some embodiments, such housing modules may be used to bothcouple (e.g. attach) the electronics to the electronic frame, as well asto maintain the shape and structural integrity (and thereby theaesthetics) of the electronic frames or a component thereof.

In some embodiments, electronic spectacle frames provided herein mayinclude a housing module that may be coupled to (e.g. attached to and/ordisposed within) a structural member of the electronic frames. As usedherein, a “housing module” may refer to a component that may house (e.g.contain, substantially contain, surround, surround a portion of,encircle, etc.) of the electronics (and/or an electronics module) of theelectronic spectacles. It should be noted that the housing module neednot fully encapsulate the electronics or electronics module in someembodiments. That is, there could be area in which the housing moduledoes not cover the electronics module. Such openings or apertures mayallow for interaction with the electronics module, such as by allowingthe wearer to turn electro-active lenses (or other electronic componentsdisposed on the spectacle frames) “on” and “off” (e.g. through acapacitive or membrane switch). In some embodiments, an opening in thehousing module may allow for the electronics module to be selectivelyplaced into (and/or removed from) the housing module. For instance, insome embodiments an electronics module may be pressure fitted so as tobe inserted into an opening (e.g. “slid in” or otherwise disposed into)and coupled to the housing module. The shape, size, and material of thehousing module may vary based on the specific purpose of the component,as well as based on other factors such as the size, shape, and materialof other components of the frame and/or the electronics module. Forinstance, the housing module may comprise a conductive material (e.g. ametal) or non-conductive material (e.g. plastic, carbon fiber, ornylon), and may be shaped to fit particular styles of frames. Ingeneral, it may be preferred that the material and size of the housingmodule may be chosen such that during typical use, the electronicsmodule may not be inadvertently removed or decoupled from the housingmodule.

The inventors have found that an inadvertent voltage or current that maybe applied to the electronic components disposed within an electronicsmodule may create unpredictable and/or unwanted behavior by thoseelectronic components, or any electronic components that may beelectrically coupled to those electronic components (such as componentsthat are supplied with power and/or control signals from the electroniccomponents disposed within the electronics module). In this regard, theuse of conductive materials coupled to the electronics (or anelectronics module that comprises the electronic components) may createsuch electrical conductivity issues including shorting of the componentsand/or capacitance issues (e.g. electrical charge storage anddissipation). This may, for instance, cause the electronic components toactivate when they are not intended to, or it may cause electricaldamage to the electronic components (for example, if excess current isinadvertently supplied). Therefore, it may be preferred in someembodiments that the electronic components disposed within (orsubstantially within) the electronics module may be electricallyinsulated from the electronic frames and/or the outside environment.That is, for instance, in some embodiments, an insulating material maybe disposed between (or substantially between) the electronic componentsdisposed with an electronics module and the frame of the electroniceyeglasses and/or the outside environment. However, there may still beone or more conductive paths between the electronic components disposedwithin the electronic module and one or more electronic componentsdisposed on the frame and/or within one or more electro-active lensessuch that the electronic component may provide power and/or controlsignals to these components.

For example, in some embodiments, a housing module may comprise aconductive component such as a metal. Such materials may be preferred insome embodiments because they may have structural properties thatprevent or inhibit deformation of the frames and thereby serve to houseand protect the electronic components (and the electronics module),while maintaining the aesthetic shape and appearance of the frames.However, the conductivity of the housing module may cause the electroniccomponents to be inadvertently grounded, or may produce or supplyadditional charge to one or more of the electrical components when suchcharge is not required or desired. Therefore, in this example, it may bedesirable in some embodiments to include an insulating material locatedbetween the housing module and the electronic components so as toprevent or reduce the risk of such shorting issues and/or strayelectrical charges from an external source. In some embodiments, theinsulating material may comprise a portion of the electronics module(such as a layer of material disposed on the outer surface of theelectronics module, or the electronics module itself may comprise aninsulating material), such that the electronics module may substantiallyelectrically insulate the electronic components disposed therein fromthe conductive housing module (and/or other conductive components, suchas a portion of the frame).

In general, the housing module may comprise any suitable material,including non-conductive materials (e.g. an insulating material). Thus,in some embodiments, the electronics module may comprise a conductivematerial, but may be electrically insulated (or substantiallyelectrically insulated) from the frames and/or the outside environmentby a housing module that comprises a non-conductive material. Indeed,the inventors have found that in some embodiments, the use ofnon-conductive materials for the housing module may reduce inadvertentcharge dissipation in the electronics module, and thereby may increasethe performance of the electro-active lenses (and/or reduce failures orundesired behaviors) in some instances. Moreover, in some embodimentsthat may comprise a sensing mechanism (such as a capacitive touchswitch), the use of an insulating material (e.g. layer) may preventcharge storage from an interaction with user, which may prevent orreduce the occurrence of a second electrical charge incorrectlyindicating a second interaction with the user.

In some embodiments, an insulating material may be disposed within thehousing module and may be located between the housing module and theelectronics module (or a portion thereof). For instance, both thehousing module and the electronics module could comprise a conductivematerial, but could be electrically insulated by a material disposedthere between. However, as used herein, any insulating material or layerthat does not comprise a portion of the electronics module (including alayer disposed on an outer surface), but that is disposed between thehousing module and the electronics module (or a portion thereof) may beconsidered a part of the housing module.

In general, the insulating material may comprise any suitable electricalinsulator, including plastics and/or rubber, or any other material orcomposition having suitably high resistivity. In some embodiments, itmay be preferred that the insulator is chosen so as to effectivelyisolate the electronic components in a relatively short distance forvoltages of at least approximately 5 volts (but it may be preferable insome embodiments to be at least approximately 20 volts), which maycorrespond to the typical amount of external (and internal) voltageapplied to the frames. In some embodiments, the thickness of theinsulator may be less than approximately 10 mm (and preferably in someembodiments of less than approximately 5 mm). In general, the thicknessof the insulator may be preferred to be as small as possible, as theavailable space within the electronic frames may be limited, while stillproviding adequate electrical insulation. Therefore, in someembodiments, it may be preferred that the thickness of the insulatingmaterial may be less than 1 mm.

As noted above, the housing module may be located in any suitablelocation on (or coupled to) the electronic frames. For instance, thehousing module may be located on (or within or attached to) the lenshousing or on (or within or attached to) one or both of the temples.That is, for instance, in some embodiments the housing module may beinserted into a component of the lens frame (such as into a cavitywithin the component) and provide support to maintain the shape andaesthetics of the frame, while also providing a means of coupling one ormore electronic components to the electronic spectacle frame. In someembodiments, the housing module may comprise a separate section of theframe. That is, for instance, in some embodiments, the housing modulemay be disposed between a temple of the frame and the lens housing, suchthat the housing module is coupled to both the lens housing and thetemple. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and described indetail below. In such embodiments, the lens housing may be coupled tothe temple using any suitable means, such as an adhesive, one or morefasteners (such as a screw), and/or the two components could be designedsuch that a portion of the housing module may be inserted into (orotherwise structurally fitted into or coupled to) the temple and/or thelens housing (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the lens housing andthe temple may share a similar structural component (such as a similarcore, such as the core 1601 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). The lens housingor temple and the electronics module may, in some embodiments, beconnected by using one or more hinges.

Embodiments may thereby provide a housing module that contains,surrounds, encapsulates, is coupled to, or otherwise houses one or moreelectronic components (or portions thereof) and/or an electronics modulethat comprises one or more electronic components of an electronicspectacle frame. As noted above, in some embodiments, the housing modulemay provide structural support to the frame (or a component thereof)that prevents or reduces deformation of the frame during the fabricationprocess or during subsequent use of the frames, or may itself provide aportion of the frame consistent with the aesthetic style of the frames.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide the ability toselectively couple (e.g. attach) or decouple (e.g. remove) the housingmodule and/or the electronics (or an electronics module) from theelectronic spectacle frames. For instance, it may be desirable that thehousing module be selectively coupled to the frames so that the housingmodule may be manufactured in a separate process from the other portionsof the electronic frames. That is, for example, in some embodiments theelectronic frames may be fabricated with a cavity to which theelectronic housing module may be inserted into after the electronicspectacle frame, or a portion thereof, is fabricated. The housing modulemay then be disposed into the cavity, and an electronics module maythereafter be coupled to the housing module. In some embodiments, theelectronics module may be coupled to the housing module in advance ofinserting the housing module into such a cavity. In some exemplaryembodiments, the housing module may serve to provide support to theframe (or a component thereof) and prevent or reduce deformation of theframe (e.g. if the frame comprises a plastic material such as acetate ornylon). Similarly, it may also be desirable that the electronics (e.g.an electronics module) be selectively coupled to and/or decoupled to(e.g. removable) from the housing module. This may permit replacement ofdefective, obsolete, or exhausted components (such as an old orfrequently used power source). Moreover, the ability to selectivelyinsert and remove electronic components or an electronic module mayprovide the ability to customize the use of the electronic spectacleframes. For instance, the same electronic spectacle frames (orcomponents thereof) may be used for different purposes, but may bemanufactured in the same manner (thereby allowing for less expensivefabrication). The customization may be provided by coupling (and therebyutilizing) different electronic components (that may be comprised forinstance in separate electronic modules) with the same or similarstandard frames.

Although the housing module may be secured to the frame in any suitablemanner (such as by using an adhesive, screws, etc.) as noted above, itmay be preferred in some embodiments to provide a manner in which thehousing module and/or the electronics may be readily coupled (and/ordecoupled) to the frames. The inventors have found that an example of arelatively efficient manner may be to shape the housing module (or theelectronics module) so as to be pressure fitted. That is, for instance,the housing module may be coupled to the frame by “snapping” the housingmodule into place. In this regard, the shape and/or size of thecomponents may be such that if a force is applied in a particulardirection of the housing module (or the electronics module), thecomponent may contract in that direction. When a force is not applied inthat direction, the component may expand. If the receiving component(e.g. the electronic frame or a cavity therein) is designed so as toaccept the expansion of the housing module, the housing module could beinserted into place and be readily coupled thereto (or alternatively,with the application of a similar force, decoupled and removed).Similarly, an electronics module may be designed to be pressure fittedinto the housing module. In this manner, either the housing module or anelectronics module may be readily coupled (or decoupled) to theelectronic frame (e.g. without the need for tools—such as screw driver)in a manner in which they may be inserted or removed without damagingthe structure of the frames.

As noted above, the inventors have found that in some embodiments it maybe preferred to have a housing module or an electronics module that maybe pressure fitted. In some embodiments, the electronic spectacle framesmay comprise a temple that has an opening in one end that allows foreither the housing module or the electronics module (or both) to beinserted into the opening and thereby be disposed within the temple(e.g. within a cavity). An example of such a design is shown in FIG. 27and described in detail below. In this way, in some embodiments, thehousing module and/or the electronics module may be coupled/decoupled tothe frames in a relatively efficient manner by applying pressure in aperpendicular direction (typically to deform the component to decrease across-sectional area) and inserting/removing the housing module orelectronics module from the receiving component. In some embodiments,the housing module may comprise a component of the frame (i.e. asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 16, the housing module may becoupled to the temple and/or the lens housing, but not necessarily bedisposed within either) and an electronics module may be inserted intoan opening in the end of the housing module and pressure fitted thereto.Some embodiments that comprise a pressure fitted component may provideseveral advantages, including, in some instances, providing an increasein the ease with which components may be coupled and decoupled.

For example, when an electronic component or components is chosen foruse in an electronic frame, the electronics may be disposed in anelectronics module that may be inserted into the opening in an end ofthe housing module or a frame component (e.g. by compressing anelectronic module in one dimension). In some embodiments, theelectronics module may be “slid” into place (e.g. inserted into theopening and thereby disposed in the housing module). The housing module(and/or the temple of the frames) may be configured so as to have anarea, cavity, or opening that allows the electronics module to expandinto and thereby the module may be coupled therein. An example of thisis illustrated in FIG. 27. In addition, in some embodiments, theinventors have found that it may be more effective to compress thedimension of the electronics module that is perpendicular to thedirection that it is inserted into the housing module (i.e. to decreasethe dimension of the electronics module in a direction that isperpendicular to the axis of the temple (e.g. the axis on which thetemple typically has its largest dimension)) because this may not, insome instances, effect the conductive path or the electronic components.This may be preferred in some embodiments to compressing the electronicsmodule in a direction that is parallel to the axis that the templeextends along because such embodiments may cause the electroniccomponents and/or the conductive path to be compressed—which may requireadditional components to maintain such conductive paths and/or specificmaterials (such as conductive rubber) to comprise some of thecomponents, and may also increase the risk of potential failures inelectrical contacts in some embodiments. For instance, the electronicsmodule may in some embodiments comprise electronic components (such as apower source) that are not easily compressible. In addition, in someembodiments, locating an opening in the end of the temple (or thehousing module) may provide advantages over utilizing an opening inanother location (such as along the body of the temple) such asincreasing the durability of the electronic spectacles when in use(which is generally when the most force may be applied to the frames)because the opening may be blocked and/or protected by the othercomponents of the electronic spectacles (e.g. a hinge or the lenshousing). This may prevent the electronics module (and/or the housingmodule) from inadvertently being removed from the device. Again, anexemplary illustration of such embodiments is shown in FIG. 27 anddescribed below.

As noted above, some embodiments may provide advantages over electronicspectacles that do not comprise a housing module in which electronicsand/or an electronics module may be located within. For instance, someembodiments comprising a housing module may provide additionalstructural support to a frame or component thereof (e.g. to a plasticframe, which may otherwise deform around components contained in acavity therein). The housing module may provide for removable access toan electronics module because the frame components may not be molded orformed directly around the electronic components. Some embodiments mayalso provide benefits in the manufacturing process. For instance, thehousing module and/or electronics module may be manufactured in aseparate fabrication process (and may comprise a different material) andbe later assembled with other components of the frames. In someembodiments, providing an electronic module and/or housing module thatmay be selectively coupled and/or decoupled to the frame componentsand/or to each other, may increase the flexibility and utility of theelectronic spectacle frames by allowing a single base frame to servemultiple purposes (e.g. by using multiple and/or different electronicsthat may be coupled and/decoupled as required) and may further provide amore robust design (because, for instance, defective or used componentsmay be more readily replaced). Moreover, the use of pressure fittedcomponents in some embodiments may permit quick coupling and uncouplingof the components, without the need for tools and or risk of damagingthe components of the device.

Exemplary Embodiments of Electronic Spectacle Frames Comprising aHousing Module

Provided below are further exemplary embodiments of electronic frames.These examples are provided for illustration purposes only. In addition,a person of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure mayunderstand that various combinations of components discussed above orbelow may be made. In this regard, embodiments may provide electronicframes that comprise a housing module for electronics (and/or anelectronics module) in electronic spectacles. Some embodiments, maycomprise of the components and features described above in combinationwith a housing module. For example, some embodiments may also comprise aspring hinge and an electrical path from a temple to a lens. Someembodiments may also comprise a conductive compliant material thatprovides part of an electrical path between two or more components. Someembodiments may also comprise a single electronic module, or multipleelectronics module. Some embodiments may also comprise a facade.

In some embodiments, a first device may be provided. The first devicemay include a frame having a first temple and a second temple. The framemay also comprise a housing module attached to a structural member. A“structural member” may refer to any portion of the frame including, byway of example, the lens housing, either of the temples, a cavity withina temple, the lenses themselves, etc. The housing module may be attached(or coupled) to the structural member in any suitable manner, includingusing one or more fastening devices (such as a screw), an adhesive, acommon frame component (such as a core element), etc. In someembodiments, the structural member and the housing module may bestructurally configured so that they couple without the use of anothercomponent or device. For example, the housing module may be configuredto be “pressure fitted” to a cavity within a structural member of theframe, or there may be one or more connectors or common components thatmay be used to couple (e.g. attach) the components.

In general, it may be preferred in some embodiments that the housingmodule is coupled to and/or configured so as to not detract from theaesthetic features of the structural member and/or the frame of theelectronic spectacles. For example, the housing module may be designedso as to appear as part of the frame, or may be designed such that itadds to the stylistic design and appearance. In some embodiments, thehousing module may be designed or configured to provide support to thestructural member and also contain one or more electronic components (oran electronics module that comprises one or more electronic components)of the device. It may be preferred, in some embodiments, that thesupport provided by the housing module prevents or reduces the deformityof a structural member, particularly where the structural membercomprises a plastic (such as acetate), nylon, or any other materialwhich may have their shape altered by the application of force, such asheat or physical force applied during fabrication and/or during typicaluse. The structural components may thereby be more susceptible tophysical damage if not structurally reinforced (e.g. if electronics oran electronic module are to be located in a cavity). Thus, in someembodiments where the structural component of the electronic frames maycomprise a material that may have its shape changed and deformed in amanner that affects the performance of the device and/or the structuralaesthetics of the frames, it may be preferred to include a housingmodule that provides support. However, embodiments are not so limited,and the housing module may be attached or coupled to structuralcomponents (such as temples) that comprise any suitable material,including conductive materials such as metals, which may not requireadditional support to prevent deformation during use or subsequent tofabrication. In addition, as described below, the housing module mayitself comprise a separate component such that it may not be disposedwithin the structural member (and thereby does not provide support forthe structural member) or it may be coupled to a structural member ormembers. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 16.

In some embodiments, the first device as described above may include afirst lens and a second lens coupled to the frame, and an electronicsmodule. The electronics module may be located (e.g. disposed) within thehousing module. That is, for instance, the electronics module may bedisposed such that some or all of its components are contained withinthe periphery of the housing module. However, as noted above, in someembodiments, portions of the electronics module may not be covered (e.g.encapsulated or surrounded) by the housing module. Moreover, in someembodiments, portions of the electronics module may protrude through, orbe disposed outside of, the housing module. One such example providedfor illustration purposes may be a touch sensitive switch, such as acapacitive switch or a membrane switch, that has at least a portion thatis exposed such that it may interact with a user (such as a user'sfinger). The electronics module may further include at least any two of:a power source; a controller; and a sensing mechanism (i.e. theelectronics module may comprise more than one electronic component). Forinstance, the electronics module may comprise a power source and acontroller; a power source and a sensing mechanism; a controller and asensing mechanism; or only one of these components.

In some embodiments, the first device may be self sufficient—that is, itmay comprise a power source and one or more electronic components thatare driven by the power source. It should be understood that the firstdevice (e.g. an electronic spectacle frame) may comprise otherelectronic components disposed on (or within) different parts of thedevice (e.g. coupled to different parts of the frame such as thetemples, the lens housing, or the lenses). Each of the electroniccomponents may be electrically connected together (via one or moreconductive paths) or each may be electrically isolated from one or moreof the other electrical components and/or modules.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, aninsulating layer may be disposed between one or more electroniccomponents (that may themselves be disposed within the electronicsmodule) and the frame of the first device. The term “disposed between”may refer to when an insulating material (e.g. an insulating layer) maybe located so as to electrically isolate one or more of the electroniccomponents from at least a portion of the frame. The insulating layermay also isolate some or all of the electronic components from theexternal environment. In general, the insulating layer may be designedor configured to electrically isolate the electronic components that maybe disposed within the electronics module from external sources ofcurrent or voltage. As explained above, the less electrical contact theelectronic components have to external sources of current and/orvoltage, the less likely it is that an occurrence of a short current orexternal electrical charge or voltage may affect the performance of theelectronic frames or components thereof. For example, in someembodiments, the insulating layer may be utilized so that inadvertent orunwanted voltages or currents are not applied to the electroniccomponents disposed within the electronics module. For instance, in someembodiments where the electronics module may include a sensingmechanism, the sensing mechanism may not function properly if unwantedvoltage or current is applied thereto (such as through a conductivehousing module), or if a charge that was generated based on a user's“touch” is not effectively dissipated because of the conductivematerial. However, it should be noted that a conductive path may stillbe established to the components within the housing module (e.g. throughthe use of a conductor inserted into an opening of the electronicsmodule). For instance, in some embodiments a sensing module that may bedisposed on the outside of the electronics module may have a conductivepath to, for instance, a controller located inside the electronicsmodule. In addition, a power source or controller may be electricallycoupled to other components on the electronic frame. In someembodiments, these conductive paths may also be electrically isolatedfrom the frames or a housing module that may comprise a conductivematerial.

In some embodiments, where an insulating layer may be disposed betweenone or more electronic components (which may be disposed within theelectronics module) and the frame, the housing module may comprise theinsulating layer. That is, for example, the housing module (or a portionthereof) may comprise an insulating material. The housing module may insome embodiments substantially surround and/or be coupled to theelectronics module and thereby if the housing module comprises aninsulating material, then a substantial portion of the electronicsmodule (and thereby the electronic components disposed within themodule) may be electrically isolated from the frame and/or the externalenvironment. Indeed, in some instances, the electronics module maycomprise a conductive material, and may thereby be electrically isolated(or portions thereof may be electrically isolated) by the housingmodule. This may permit some embodiments to include an electronicsmodule that could comprise a conductive material (such as a metal). Thismaterial may offer advantages over other types of materials, such aswith regard to increased manufacturing efficiencies, and/or may alsocomprise a material that is better able to protect the electroniccomponents disposed therein such as, for instance, during manufacture,assembly, transportation, and/or during use of the first device.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described, where aninsulating layer may be disposed between one or more electroniccomponents that may be disposed within the electronics module and theframe of electronic spectacles, the housing module may comprise aconductive material and the insulating layer may be disposed between atleast a portion of the housing module and the electronics module. By “atleast a portion” it is generally meant that at least 25% of theelectronics module may be isolated from the housing module by theinsulating layer. For example, in some embodiments the housing modulemay not be adjacent to (or electrically coupled to) the entire surfaceof the electronics module, and thereby the insulating layer may need notelectrically isolate the entire electronics module from a conductivehousing module. For instance, the housing module may have one or moreopenings that may provide access to the electronics module (orcomponents therein, such as a sensing mechanism). In some embodiments,the insulating layer may isolate more of the electronics module (suchas, for instance at least 50% or, preferably, at least 95%), which maydepend on the design and functionality provided by the electronicspectacles.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described, where aninsulating layer may be disposed between one or more electroniccomponents that may be disposed within the electronics module and theframe of electronic spectacles, the insulating material may comprise aportion of the electronics module. That is, for instance, in someembodiments, the electronics module may have an insulating materialdisposed (e.g. attached or deposited) on its outer surface (or the outersurface or casing of the electronics module may comprise an insulatingmaterial) and thereby the electronics module may serve to electricallyisolate some or all of the electronic components from the frame, thehousing module, and/or external environment. Thus, as used herein, insome embodiments where an electronics module comprises an exterior wall(e.g. an outer wall, container, shell, etc.) that is made of, orincludes, an insulating material, the exterior wall may be considered asthe insulating layer disposed between the electronic components (thatare disposed within the electronics module) and the frame. For example,in some embodiments, the outer wall (or the container) of theelectronics module (or an insulating layer disposed thereon) may alsoserve to electrically isolate the electronic components that may bedisposed within the electronics module from a housing module thatcomprises a conductive material (or any other component of theelectronic spectacles, such as the frames). As noted above, theinventors have found that, in some embodiments such as when the housingmodule includes a conductive material, it may be preferred toelectrically isolate the electronic components disposed therein from thehousing module because, for instance, electrical charge may be stored orapplied to the housing module (particularly where a sensing mechanismmay be exposed between a portion of the housing module) that may therebyaffect the performance of the electronics.

The insulating material that may be used in some embodiments may be ofany suitable material, such as a plastic, nylon, rubber, carbon fiber,etc. In general, given the relatively small area typically availablewithin a spectacle frame, it may be preferred to minimize the size ofcomponents and layers (including the insulating layer). That is, forinstance, in some embodiments it may not be considered aestheticallypleasing if the portion of the electronic spectacle frame that comprisesthe electronics is readily perceivable (such as if the components extendout of the frame). In some embodiments, the insulating layer may be lessthan 5 mm thick, and may preferably be less than 2 mm thick. In someembodiments, as was described in detail above, the insulating layer maycomprise a part of the electronics module. That is, for instance, insome embodiments the insulating layer may comprise the exterior wall ofthe electronics module, or some other internal component that isolatesthe electronics disposed within from current or voltage that may beapplied to (or retained on) the housing module. In some embodiments, theinsulating layer may be disposed only between the portions of thehousing module and the electronics module that may be coupled orphysically connected (or electrically coupled to in the absence of theinsulating material disposed between). This may reduce the size of theinsulating layer while still electrically insulating the electroniccomponents from any undesired external electrical charge.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the housingmodule may be removably coupled to the first temple. That is, thestructural member may comprise one of the temples of the frame. As usedherein, “removably coupled” may refer to when the housing module (oranother component) is not permanently coupled to the temple such thatits removal would require altering the structure of the frame. Forexample, if the frame was molded around the housing module, then in someembodiments, the only way to remove the housing module may be to damageor permanently alter the structural component. As noted above, thehousing module may be attached or coupled to the structural member inany suitable manner; however, it may be preferred that the housingmodule is removably coupled so as to provide greater flexibility in thefabrication process as well as adaptability in the field (i.e. ineveryday use). In addition to the benefits noted above regarding thepotential for increased efficiency in the fabrication process providedby manufacturing the housing module and the structural member (e.g. atemple) in a separate process (each of which may comprise a differentmaterial), embodiments may also provide the ability to exchangedefective or obsolete electronics for new electronics (or electronicsthat provide a different functionality). For example, in someembodiments, the electronics module may be coupled to the housing moduleso that one need only coupled the housing module to the electronicframes to provide the electronic functionality (i.e. to couple theelectronics to the frames). Similarly, the electronics may be removed bydecoupling (i.e. removing) the housing module from the frames).

In this regard, in some embodiments, in the first device as describedabove, the housing module may be removably coupled to the first templesuch that it is adapted to be removed and recoupled to the first temple.For instance, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to be able toremove the housing module, replace or adjust the electronic module thatmay be disposed therein, and then recouple the housing module to thestructural member. By allowing for the housing module to be removed,this may provide a user with easier access to the electronics module,without the risk of damaging other portions of the electronic frames(such as the lenses) when removing (or adjusting) the electronics modulefrom the housing module. In some embodiments, as noted above, thehousing module may be removed and replaced with another housing module(which may or may not comprise a new electronics module).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, theelectronics module may be removably coupled to the housing module. Thatis, similar to embodiments wherein the housing module is removablycoupled to the structural member, the electronics module may beremovably coupled to the housing module such that it may be removedwithout permanently altering the structure of the housing module and/orthe structural member (e.g. a temple of the frames). This may allow fora replacement electronic module to be used (such as if one or moreelectronic components fail or otherwise does not function as desired)without requiring the purchase of a new device. In addition, embodimentsmay provide for a single device (e.g. a single model electronicspectacles or frames) to be used for multiple purposes, such as thosedescribed in detail below with regard to the various electroniccomponents that such devices may comprise. That is, for example, in oneinstance the electronics module may comprise the components to functionas a Fall Down Monitor. The electronics module may be removed and a newmodule may be coupled to the housing module such that in anotherinstance the same electronic spectacles may function as a Step Counterand Timer (or may provide any other suitable function). Indeed, anyelectronic component (which may be contained within an electronicsmodule) may be coupled or removed in this manner.

In this regard, in some embodiments, the electronics module may beadapted to be removed and recoupled to the housing module. In thismanner, for instance, the components that are disposed within theelectronics module may be replaced (for instance, the power source maybe replaced, e.g. if the power source comprises used batteries, etc.),without purchasing an entire new electronics module (or otherwisereplacing the other electronic components that may still functionproperly). A user may simply remove the electronics module, replace anelectronic component (e.g. the power source such as one or morebatteries) and recouple the electronics module to the housing module(that may, for instance, be still coupled to the electronic frames).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the housingmodule may have a first end, a second end, and a body disposed betweenthe first end and the second end. The first end may comprise an opening.The electronics module may be configured to be inserted into theopening. In some embodiments, the electronics module may have dimensionssuch that it is smaller than the opening, and therefore once inserted,it may be coupled to the housing module using a fastener such as anadhesive, a screw, or any other suitable means. In some embodiments theelectronics module may be configured to be compressible in at least onedirection (typically in the direction perpendicular to the direction themodule may be inserted into the housing module). In this regard, theelectronics module (or a portion thereof) may comprise a flexiblematerial that may be deformed by the application of a force but mayreturn to an original shape.

In some embodiments, the electronics module may be pressure fitted tothe housing module. That is, for instance, the electronics module (or acomponent thereof) may expand into a section or portion of the housingmodule such that it locks into place (and may thereby be coupled to thehousing module). In this regard, the housing module may comprise anopening for receiving the expanding portion of the electronics module.The electronics module may be removed by application of a similar forcein the same direction on the expanding portion of the electronicsmodule. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated and describedwith reference to FIGS. 26 and 27 herein. However, embodiments are notso limited and in some instances, the electronics module may be insertedinto the opening in the end of the housing module with or withoutcompression of a dimension (e.g. the electronics module may be insertedinto the opening and coupled to the housing module using a fastener).

In some embodiments, the electronics module may be located within thebody of the housing module. That is, for instance, the electronicsmodule may be inserted through an opening of the housing module and thenbe disposed inside the housing module and may thereby be coupled to theframe. The housing module may serve to both couple the electronicsmodule to the frame and to provide protection/electrical isolation ofthe electronics module (and/or components therein) from external forces.In this regard, in some embodiments, the housing module may comprise anon-conductive material such as nylon or carbon fiber. As noted above,this may prevent or inhibit an external electrical charge from affectingthe operation of the electronics. In addition, the use of carbon fiber,plastics, etc. may be lighter than some other materials (such as somemetals)—which may be another factor that may be considered given thatthe electronic spectacle frames may be worn by a user for extensiveperiods of time. However, embodiments are not so limited and the housingmodule may comprise a conductive material such as metal—which mayprovide in some instances greater protection from a physical force,additional support for other structural components, and/or may be lesssusceptible to deformation or damage.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thestructural member may comprise a cavity in the first temple and thehousing module may be configured to be selectively placed within thecavity. As used herein “selectively placed” may refer to when thehousing module is provided as a separate component (and thereby theelectronics module may also be provided separately and disposed withinthe housing module) that may be later added to the temple, such as by“snapping” the housing module into the temple. In some embodiments, thismay provide the advantage that the housing module may be designed and/ormanufactured separately, and may be later placed within the temples ofdifferent style frames. However, “selective placement” may also involvea process by which the housing module may not be removably coupled (i.e.the housing module may be coupled to the structural member such that itmay not be removed without damaging or permanently altering).

However, embodiments are not so limited, and the housing module may beselectively placed within a cavity so as to be removed there from. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the housing module may be coupled to thefirst temple using at least one of a fastening device (such as a screw)or an adhesive (such as a two face adhesive tape. In some embodiments,the housing module may be selectively removed. However, any suitablemanner of coupling the housing module to the cavity in the temple may beused. In some embodiments, the housing module is pressure fitted to thecavity in the first temple. As used herein, “pressure fitted” may referto, for example, when the housing module is snapped into the cavity.That is, the housing module may comprise a portion that may be reducedin size upon insertion, but may expand into a portion of the cavity ofthe temple such that it cannot be removed with a similar reduction insize. In this manner, the housing module may be removably coupled suchthat it may then be snapped in and out (i.e. coupled and uncoupled) byapplying a similar force.

In addition, some embodiments in which the housing module is disposedwithin a cavity of the temple may provide some advantages. For instance,in some embodiments, the temple may comprise a plastic or nylonmaterial. If the electronics module is directly inserted into thecavity, then material that comprises the temple may deform so as toconform to the shape of the electronics module. By utilizing a housingmodule, embodiments may provide additional support to the cavity so asto prevent the cavity from deforming. In some embodiments, where thetemple comprises a conductive material such as a metal, the housingmodule may be inserted into the cavity so as to electrically isolatesome, or all, of the electronics module from the temple. That is, forinstance, the housing module may comprise an insulating material so asto limit the amount of current that may flow from the temple to theelectronics module, which could affect the performance of suchcomponents and/or damage the components.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the firstlens may be electrically connected to the electronics module. That is,for instance, the first device may comprise a conductive path from theelectronics module to the lens that is coupled to the lens housing. Asnoted above, the housing module (and thereby the electronics module thatis housed therein) may be attached to any structural member of thedevice (e.g. a temple, the lens housing, etc,). In embodiments where thelens housing is attached to one of the temples, the conductive path maycomprise an embedded conductor (such as conductive compliant material)and/or a conductive path through a hinge to the lens housing). The lensmay comprise any additional electronic components needed to provide agiven functionality (such as varying the focal length of theelectro-active lens, changing the tint of the lens, etc.).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thefirst lens is electrically connected to the electronics module, theelectronics module may comprise a controller that is configured togenerate a time varying signal to supply to the first lens from thepower source. That is, for instance, in some embodiments it may bepreferred to supply an AC signal to one or more of the electroniccomponents. This may, for instance, create a large peak to peak voltage(e.g. 20 volts) which, when coupled to an electro-active lens, may inturn provide for increased clarity (while potentially increasing powerconsumption and cost). In some embodiments, the sensing mechanism may beconfigured to provide an input to the controller for determining when tosupply the time varying signal to the first lens. That is, for instance,the sensing module may be configured to receive an input (e.g. fromuser, such as by tilting the head or touching a switch), which then maybe used to trigger the controller to supply the signal (such as an“on”-“off” switch) or to adjust the signal (e.g. adjusting the voltage,etc). In some embodiments, the power source comprises a battery.Generally, it may be preferred to use a simple power source given therelatively small area that may be available within the structural member(such as within the temple) and/or the housing module. However, itshould be understood that any power source may be used. In someembodiments, the controller may include firmware. While firmware may bepreferred in some embodiments because it may reduce the space requiredby the controller, embodiments are not so limited and the controller maycomprise any combination of software and firmware to provide a desiredfunctionality. In some embodiments, the controller may include a voltagemultiplier. The voltage multiplier may be used in conjunction with asimpler (e.g. smaller) power source to provide a higher voltage whileminimizing the space needed within the electronics module. However,embodiments need not utilize a voltage multiplier where the voltage (orthe current) supplied by the power supply is sufficient. In someembodiments, the controller is configured to provide at least one of: azero DC biased sine wave or a zero DC biased square wave to the firstlens.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the housingmodule may further include an aperture disposed on an outer side of thehousing module. The “outer side” may refer to a side of the housingmodule that does not face toward a wearer's head (e.g. the side thatfaces away from the wearer's head). In this manner, and as noted above,the housing module need not fully encapsulate the entire electronicmodule. The aperture may provide an avenue in which a wearer mayinteract with the electronics module disposed therein. For instance, insome embodiments, the aperture may have an area that is approximatelywithin the range of 1 cm² to 5 cm². While the size may vary based on theapplication and the use, this area is typically suitable to allow for awearer to manually interact with the sensing mechanism. For instance,the sensing mechanism may comprise a touch sensitive switch exposedsubstantially through the aperture. As used herein, “touch sensitive”may including any switch that may be turned on or off by a wearer'stouch. This may include, for example, a capacitance switch or a membraneswitch. As used herein the touch switch may still be considered“exposed” even if a thin insulator layer is deposed over the touchsensitive component—it is still exposed to the extent that a wearer mayinteract with the touch sensitive switch. That is, the term “exposed” isused to refer to a configuration in which the touch sensitive switch issufficiently not covered that it can respond to a user's touch. In thisregard, in some embodiments, the use of a capacitance switch generallyrequires that the electrical charge generated by the interaction withthe wearer be dissipated. Otherwise such devices may create a shortsituation, or may activate the electro-active lenses incorrectly.Therefore, embodiments may require the use of an insulator, particularlywhen the housing module and/or the structural member of the framecomprise a conductive material.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, thestructural member includes the first temple of an electronic spectacleframe. That is, for instance, the housing module may be coupled to (e.g.attached to) the first temple or a portion thereof. This may forinstance comprise embodiments where the housing module may be disposedin a cavity of the first temple, embodiments where the housing modulemay be attached to a portion of the temple (e.g. as an extension of thetemple or attached to one of the surfaces of the temple), embodimentswhere the housing module may be coupled to the temple and may also becoupled to the lens housing, etc. As noted above, however, it may bepreferred in some embodiments that the housing module coincides with thestyle (e.g. the aesthetics) of the frame (e.g. or a portion thereof,such as the appearance of a temple).

In some embodiments, the first temple of an electronic spectacle framemay include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion maybe located closer to the first lens than the second portion, and thehousing module may be attached to the first portion of the first temple.This may be preferred in some embodiments, as it may utilize a shorterconductive path from the electronics module to any electronics(including electro-active lenses) that may be located on the lenshousing. In some embodiments, the housing module may be the firstportion of the first temple. That is, for instance and as noted above,the housing module may be disposed between the lens housing and aportion of the temple, but may not be disposed within the temple (orwithin a cavity in the temple). The lens housing may be coupled to thetemple in any suitable manner including, for instance, the use of afastener (such as a screw) or adhesive. In addition, in someembodiments, each of the lens housing and the temple may comprise astructural component or components such that the two components may beconnected to one another. Some embodiments may provide advantages suchas, for instance, allowing the manufacture of the electronics moduleseparate from the temple and/or the lens housing (because the housingmodule may be subsequently coupled to these components). In addition,some embodiments may permit the fabrication of the temple without thecreation of a cavity (or other components for disposing the housingmodule and/or electronics module there within), which may result in morestructural stability for the frame component.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the housingmodule may comprise a conductive material such as, for instance, a metalor a compliant conductive material. As noted above, in some embodimentswhen the housing module comprises a conductive material, the firstdevice may further include an insulating material disposed between thehousing module and the electronics module. As noted above, “disposedbetween” may refer to a configuration in which the insulating layerelectrically isolates the housing module from the electronics module(and/or the electronic components disposed within the electronicsmodule). As noted above, in some embodiments, when the housing modulecomprises a conductive material, there may be an increased risk ofshorting to the electronic components. In addition, in some embodimentsthat may use a sensing mechanism such as a touch switch (e.g. acapacitive switch), a charge may be generated by the user whenactivating the switch that may not dissipate if the housing modulecomprises a conductive material (e.g. the charge could be stored on thehousing module). This could result in the sensing module (or othercomponent) receiving signals that the wearer does not intend, which mayalter the functionality of the electronic components of the device.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the housingmodule may comprise a non-conductive material. For instance, the housingmodule may comprise a plastic (such as acetate) or nylon. This may bepreferred in some embodiments because it may not require an additionalinsulator between the electronics module and the housing module. In someembodiments, the structural member may also comprise a non-conductivematerial. That is, for instance, both the housing module and thestructural member may both comprise a non-conductive material. This maybe preferred in some embodiments because it may be more readilyachievable to electrically isolate one or more conductive paths from theelectronics module to one or more other electronic components disposedon the frame of the electronic spectacles. In some embodiments, thestructural member may comprise any one of, or some combination of: aplastic or nylon. In some embodiments, the structural member comprisesacetate. Acetate may be preferred in some embodiments as it is a commonmaterial used in the manufacture of frames. However, as noted above,embedding electronics within an acetate frame without the additionalsupport provided by a housing module may result in deformation of thestructural member. It should be understood that any suitablenon-conductive material may be used for either the structural member andor the housing module.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thehousing module may comprise a non-conductive material, the structuralmember may comprise a conductive material. That is, the housing modulemay comprise a material such as plastic (e.g. acetate), nylon, etc., andthe structural member that is coupled to the housing module may comprisea material such as a metal. The housing module may be configured orpositioned so as to electrically isolate the electronics module (and/orthe electronic components disposed within the electronics module) fromthe structural member (and the frame). That is, for instance, thehousing module may be disposed within a cavity of the structural member,and the electronics module may be disposed within the housing module.The housing module may substantially house or encapsulate theelectronics module (or at least the portions of the electronics modulethat could be electrically connected to the structural member or anotherportion of the frame) so as to electrically isolate the two componentsfrom one another. In some embodiments, the housing module and/or thestructural member may have one or more apertures such that a wearer mayinteract with the electronics module (e.g. through a sensing mechanismsuch as a touch sensitive switch). In some embodiments, the housingmodule may not be disposed with the structural member, but may, forinstance, be coupled thereto (e.g. to a portion thereof). Theelectronics module may be disposed with the housing module such that itis electrically isolated from the structural member by the housingmodule that comprises a non-conductive material. In this manner,embodiments may reduce the risk of shorting issues for the electronicsmodule, and potentially increase the performance and responsiveness ofthe electronics module (including embodiments where, for instance, atouch sensitive switch that may produce a charge is to be dissipated).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thehousing module may comprise a non-conductive material, the electronicsmodule may comprise a conductive material. As noted above, it may bebeneficial in some embodiments to use a conductive material for theelectronics module for manufacturing and/or durability purposes.However, embodiments are not so limited and in some instances, both thehousing module and the electronics module may comprise a non-conductivematerial (such as an insulating material).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above where thehousing module comprises non-conductive material, the first device mayfurther include a first lens having a first electrical contact and aconductive path in electrical contact with the first electrical contactof the first lens (e.g. electrically coupled). The electronics modulemay also have a first electrical contact. The conductive path may beelectrically coupled to the first electrical contact of the electronicsmodule. In this manner, embodiments may provide a conductive pathbetween the electronics module and an electro-active lens. Theelectronics module may comprise electronic components for controllingsome of the functionality of the lens (e.g. by varying the focal length,the tint, providing shutter effects, etc.) and may be controlled by thesensing module (such as by using the touch of a wearer or the tilt ofhis head, etc.). In some embodiments, the conductive path may include atleast one pogo pin. A pogo pin may be used to maintain the electricalpath, even if, for instance, the temple does not form a right angle withthe housing, or if some other factor causes the conductive path betweenthe lens housing and the electronics module to increase in size. In someembodiments, the conductive path may include a spring hinge. A springhinge may be preferred in some embodiments because it may be used tohold electronic frames tight against a wearer's head. By utilizing aconductive path through the spring hinge, embodiments may provide for aconductive path despite the changing angle between the lens housing andthe temple. In some embodiments, the conductive path may include acompliant conductive element. As noted above, the compliant conductiveelement may be used to form robust electrical connections with theelectro-active lenses. Moreover, it may be readily applied within smallareas and in prefabricated designs, as necessary.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above, the housingmodule may have a thickness that is less than or equal to approximately0.7 mm. As used herein, the “thickness” of the housing module may referto the dimension of one of the sides of the housing module in adirection that is perpendicular to the electronics module. The inventorshave found that generally, the performance of many sensing mechanisms(such as touch switches) begins to degrade at thicknesses of the housingmodule that are greater than 0.7 mm. For example, the thickness of thecapacitance switch may be partly predicated on the thickness of the lenshousing, as it may protrude out of the housing module so as to beavailable to a wearer to swipe. In addition, the smaller the thicknessof the housing module, the greater the area potentially available forthe electronics module. This may allow for more advanced electronics tobe provided, and/or more electronic components (e.g. a biggerelectronics housing module). However, the decreased thickness may weakenthe structural support of the housing module and/or decrease itsinsulation properties (when it does not comprise a conductive material).The inventors have found that, in some embodiments, the housing modulemay have a thickness that is less than or equal to approximately 0.5 mm.In some embodiments, the housing module may have a thickness that isless than or equal to approximately 0.3 mm.

In some embodiments, a first method of fabricating a device may also beprovided. The method may include fabricating or manufacturing a framehaving a first temple, a second temple, and a housing module thatincludes a first end, a second end, a body disposed between the firstand second end, and a cavity disposed within the body. That is, forinstance, the method may be applied to electronic spectacles that maycomprise a housing module that has an area in which the electronicsmodule may be located in (e.g. a cavity). An example of such embodimentsis shown in FIG. 16. The first end may include an opening. The firstmethod may further comprise inserting an electronics module (orelectronic components) into the opening of the housing module such thatthe electronics module may be disposed in the cavity of the housingmodule. As noted above, utilizing such a method of fabricating a deviceby inserting the electronics module through an opening in the end of thehousing module may be both an efficient manner of disposing theelectronics module into the housing module (and thereby coupling theelectronics to the frame), and may also serve to protect the electronicsas, for example, less of the electronics module may be exposed to directphysical force—particularly when the frames are in use as the openingmay be covered by other components (such as the lens housing).

In some embodiments, the first method as described above may furthercomprise removing the electronics module (i.e. a first electronicsmodule) from the cavity through the opening of the housing module(and/or temple), and inserting an electronics module (i.e. a secondelectronics module) into the opening of the housing module such that thesecond housing module is disposed in the cavity of the housing module.In this manner, in some embodiments, the electronics module may beremoved and replaced with a new electronics module that may compriseelectronics that provide different functionality (thereby providingincreased flexibility and functionality for the same electronic frames)or may be used to replace defective or depleted electronics (such aswhen a power source is drained). In this regard, in some embodiments,the first electronics module and the second electronics module may bedifferent electronics modules. However, embodiments are not so limited,and in some instances, the first electronics module and the secondelectronics module may be the same electronics module (e.g. they are thesame module or they comprise the same components). As noted above, someembodiments may provide the advantage of being able to replacecomponents within an electronics module, without replacing the entiremodule. Moreover, by using a method of removing and inserting the modulethought the opening in the end of the housing module, embodiments mayprovide a fast and easier way of accessing and changing the electroniccomponents as opposed to embodiments that may require applying anadhesive and/or fastener to the electronics module.

A second method may also be provided. The second method may comprise amethod of manufacturing (e.g. fabricating) a device that includes aframe having a first temple and second temple. The first temple mayinclude a first end; a second end, a body disposed between the first andsecond end; and a cavity disposed within the body. The first end mayinclude an opening. The first method may further comprise the steps ofinserting an electronics module into a housing module and inserting thehousing module into the opening of the temple such that the housingmodule is disposed in the cavity of the first temple. As noted above,inserting the housing module into the cavity through an opening may bean efficient manner of coupling the housing module and/or theelectronics module to the structural member (in this case the temple),particularly when the housing module may be pressure fitted so as tosnap into place when it is inserted in one end of the temple. Thisprovides the advantage of not necessarily requiring a fastener (such asa screw) or adhesive to couple the housing module to the temple (whichmay make removal of the housing module and/or recoupling more readilyachievable). In addition, sliding the housing module into the templethrough an end (rather than directly into the body) may be moreefficient because it allows for the housing module and/or theelectronics module to compress as necessary in the vertical direction(i.e. the direction perpendicular to the body of the temple). Inaddition, inserting the housing module into one end of the structuralmember may provide an efficient manner of replacing the housing module(and/or an electronics module that may be disposed within the housingmodule) in an electronic spectacle frame.

In some embodiments, the first method as described above may furthercomprise removing the housing module from the first cavity through theopening of the temple, and inserting a second housing module into theopening of the temple such that the housing module is disposed in thecavity of the first temple. Removing the housing module may provideready access to the electronics module disposed therein. It may alsoprovide for efficient replacement of the components. In someembodiments, the housing module and the second housing module are thesame housing module. That is, as noted above in some embodiments, thismethod may be used to simply replace some of the electronics componentsthat may comprise the electronics module or may replace the electronicsmodule itself. The housing module may thereby not need to be replaced,and may be reattached to the structural member (e.g. a temple or cavitytherein) and include a new or revised electronics module locatedtherein. Thus, in some embodiments, where the electronics module (orelectronic components) is removed with the housing module, a secondelectronics module (or electronic components) may be inserted into thecavity in conjunction with the second housing module. However,embodiments are not so limited, and thereby in some embodiments, thehousing module and the second housing module may be different housingmodules. This exemplary method may be used in some situations where thehousing module may be required to be replaced (e.g. if it was damaged ordefective) or for instances when the electronics module and the housingmodule are coupled in such a way that they may not be readily coupledand recoupled, and the electronics module is to be replaced. In thisregard, in some embodiments, the electronics module (or electroniccomponents) may be removed with the housing module.

In some embodiments, the first method as described above may furtherinclude removing the housing module from the first cavity through theopening of the temple without removing the electronics module. That is,for instance, the electrics module may be disposed (e.g. located) withinthe housing module, but need not be coupled thereto. The housing modulemay provide structural support to the portions of the structural memberlocated near or around the electronics module. The housing module may beremoved and replaced if, for instance, it is damaged. In some instances,it may be removed and replaced for aesthetic regions (e.g. the wearerchanges the style of the frames and/or other components of the frame).

In some embodiments, in the first method as described above, the step ofinserting the electronics module into the housing module may includecoupling the housing module to the electronics module. In someembodiments, in the first method as described above, the housing modulemay be inserted into the opening of the temple prior to the electronicsmodule being inserted in the housing module. An electronics module maythen be inserted into the housing module. In this manner, each componentmay be manufactured and assembled in different stages.

Although described above, FIGS. 16 and 17 will now be described in moredetail. FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electronicframe that comprises a housing module 1603. A core element 1601 may beprovided, which may in some embodiments comprise a conductive material(such as steel) and may be coupled to or disposed within the temple 1602so as to provide a portion of a conductive path from one component toanother and/or structural support for the temple. As shown, the coreelement 1601 may, for instance, provide a conductive path from thetemple end (which may comprise, e.g., a power source) to the electronicsmodule 1605. A housing module 1603 is shown, which may house (e.g.contain) the electronics module 1605 and be coupled to the temple 1602.In some embodiments, the housing module 1603 may comprise a conductivematerial (e.g. metal). However, as noted above in some instances, theinventors have found that the use of a conductive material for thehousing module 1603 may affect (or interfere with) the electroniccomponents (e.g. in the electronics module 1605) and/or the functioningof a sensing component or mechanism (such as a switch 1604, which maycomprise a capacitive switch). Therefore, in some embodiments, aninsulating material may be disposed between the housing module 1603 andany electronic components of the electronic frames (e.g. the electronicsmodule 1605). In addition, in some embodiments, an insulating materialmay be disposed between the housing module 1603 and sensing component(e.g. a capacitive touch switch 1604) so as to dissipate any electricalcharge that may be generated and/or stored therein (or otherwiseinsulate the electronics from the charge). This may prevent anelectrical charge from affecting the electronics, which could lead tounpredictable behavior (e.g. activation/deactivation of the electronicswhen not desired or signaled) or damage to the components.

In some embodiments, the housing module 1603 may comprise a portion ofthe temple 1602. That is, for instance and as shown in FIG. 16, thehousing module may be disposed between a portion of the temple 1602 andthe lens housing. This may be preferred in some embodiments because itmay allow for each component to be manufactured in separate processesand then assembled at a later point in time. The housing module 1603 andanother portion of the temple (e.g. the end portion of the temple 1602)and/or the lens housing may be attached in any suitable manner. As shownin the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 16, the core 1601 may be common toat least a part of the temple 1602 and the housing module 1603 so as tocouple the components. In addition, in some embodiments,

A switch 1604 (such as a capacitance or “cap” switch) is shown, whichmay be coupled to the electronics module 1605 and/or the electronicsmodule housing 1603 to provide a switch or control for the electronicsmodule 1605. For instance, and as shown in FIG. 16, the electronicsmodule housing 1603 may have an opening that may allow a wearer tointeract with switch 1604 so as to turn a function on or off, or tootherwise vary the functions provided by an electronic spectacle. Theelectronics module 1605, the switch 1604, and the electronics modulehousing 1603 may be coupled using any suitable manner, including one ormore screws as shown in FIG. 16. As noted above, other methods may alsobe used, such as pressure fitting one or more components as describedwith reference to FIGS. 26 and 27 below. One or more conductors 1606 mayalso be included to provide one or more electrical contacts (e.g.conductive paths) from the electronics module 1605 to the lens housing.The conductors 1606 could, for instance, electrically connect to the oneor more conductive paths provided by compliant conductive element 1401shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. A hinge 1607 is also shown, which may becoupled to the temple 1602 or a component thereof (such as the housingmodule 1603) and also to the lens housing. The hinge 1607 may providethe capability for each of these components to move relative to theother while remaining coupled. In some embodiments, the hinge 1607 maycomprise one or more conductors, or may itself comprise conductivematerial so as to form a conductive path or portion thereof.

FIG. 17 illustrates the components shown in FIG. 16 coupled together inan exemplary embodiment. As can be seen, the conductive compliantelement 1601 is no longer visible as it is embedded within the temple1602. Similarly, the electronics module 1605 is housed within thehousing module 1603 and covered (and likely coupled to) on one side bythe switch 1604. In this regard, the housing module may be considered tocomprise the switch, even though it may not be contained within themodule itself. The hinge 1607 is coupled to the electronics modulehousing 1603. The conductors 1606 may be embedded substantially withinportions of the hinge 1607 and/or electronics module housing 1603 so asto form a portion of a conductive path between the electronics module1604 and the lens housing.

With reference to FIG. 26 an exemplary embodiment of a touch switch 2600is show in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the touch switch2600 may comprise one or more sections (2601 and 2603) that are raisedor elevated (i.e. extend out from) the remaining structure of the touchswitch 2602. These portions 2601 and 2603 may extend out of one or moreapertures in the housing module so that a wearer may interact with thetouch switch to send a control signal to the electronics therein. Asnoted above, in some embodiments the thickness of the housing module maybe preferably less than 0.7 mm thick, so that the touch switch mayprotrude out of the aperture and still effectively react to signalsprovided by the swipe of a wearer's finger. In some embodiments, thetouch switch may comprise the portions labeled as 2601 and 2603, and theelectronics module may comprise the portions 2602 (i.e. the touch switchmay form one or more surfaces of the electronics module, or be directlycoupled thereto). In addition, in some embodiments, the touch switch2600 may form a portion of a pressure fitted electronics module that maybe inserted into the housing module (e.g. through an opening in one ofthe ends) by being compressed in one more dimensions. When theelectronics module is then inserted so as to be disposed within thehousing module, the portions of the electronics module that werecompressed may expand and “snap” into place (i.e. the portions bestructurally coupled to the housing module). For instance, when theelectronics module comprising the touch switch 2600 is inserted into ahousing module, the portions 2601 and/or 2603 may extend into one ormore apertures of the housing module. Once this occurs, the electronicsmodule may be coupled to the housing module such that an inward force isapplied to the portions 2601 and 2603 prior to removing the electronicsmodule.

With reference to FIG. 27, an exemplary housing module 2701 is showncomprising an electronics module disposed therein. The exemplary housingmodule 2701 is shown as having an opening 2702 in one end in which theelectronics module may be selectively inserted. That is, for instance,the electronics module may be inserted in the opening 2702 and slid intothe housing module 2701 so as to be disposed with the body of thehousing module 2701 (e.g. within a cavity). In some embodiments, theelectronics module may be pressure fitted, such that when theelectronics module is inserted into the opening 2702 and is sufficientlydisposed in the housing module 2701, the portions 2703 of theelectronics module may extend into the apertures of the housing module2701 and snap into place. The portions 2703 of the electronics modulemay in some embodiments comprise a touch sensitive switch (such as acapacitive or membrane switch), but embodiments are not so limited. Forinstance, portions 2703 may comprise any portion of the electronicsmodule. In addition, an optional screw 2704 or other fastener may beused to couple the housing module 2701 to another structural member ofthe electronic spectacle frames (e.g. to a temple). In some embodiments,a fastener (such as screw 2704) may be used to couple the electronicsmodule to the housing module 2701 (that is, for instance, a portion ofthe electronics module may extend into the housing module 2701 such thatthe screw 2704 could couple the two components together). In someembodiments, the use of a fastener may be in addition to a pressurefitted component (although it may be preferred to use a fastener whenthe electronics module is not pressure fitted so to prevent theelectronics module form being removed from the housing module 2701inadvertently. In addition, FIG. 27 shows an embodiment whereby a hinge2705 is coupled to the housing module 2701 which may be used to couplethe housing module 2701 to another structural member of the frame, suchas the lens housing.

In some embodiments, a housing module as defined above may be used tocover or encapsulate portions of the electronics module. Someembodiments may serve several purposes, including for example,electrically isolating the electronics module from the electronicframes, from external components and forces, or both. In addition, insome embodiments, the housing module may secure the electronics moduleto the electronic spectacle frames. Embodiments may also provide theadvantage of allowing the electronics module to be selectively placedinto (i.e. attached or coupled to) and selectively removed from astructural member (such as the temple of the frames) of an electronicspectacle frame. In this manner, embodiments may provide the ability tochange electronics modules quickly and efficiently.

Embodiments Comprising a Façade

As used herein, the term “façade” may refer to an element of anelectronic frame that may be attached to any portion of the frame, butpreferably is attached to the “front” of the frames (e.g. the lenshousing) that faces in the direction of a wearer's gaze. That is, thefaçade may typically be located on the frames so to be the farthestcomponent away from the wearer's face. The façade is generally designedto not serve any structural or functional purpose (e.g. it does notitself house the lenses), but is provided for aesthetic reasons. Thefaçade may be decorative, and may mask or hide some of the functionalcomponents of the electronic spectacles, such as one or more conductivepaths between electronic components. In general, it may be preferredthat the lens housing may comprise a frame design that is less than orequal to the appearance provided by the façade. That is, for instance,in some embodiments, the façade may present the appearance of a fullrimmed frame design on rimless or semi-rimless spectacles, or the façademay present a semi-rimless appearance for rimless spectacles. However,embodiments are not so limited and any style façade may be used on anytype of lens housing.

Spectacle frames may provide both functional and aesthetic value to awearer. As noted above, spectacle frames are often stylistic and it isgenerally desirable that they have an appearance that the wearer deemsappropriate. In this regard, in some instances, the electroniccomponents of electronic spectacles may generally be noticeable and/ormay add additional structural components to a device. Thus, it may bepreferred that these components be concealed or otherwise hidden fromoutside observers, while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality ofthe electronic spectacles. In some instances, this may be done byutilizing the structural components of the eyeglasses (e.g. by embeddingcomponents in a temple of the frame); however, this may not always bepossible and/or may not be suitable for other portions of the frames,such as for components on the lens housing. Such approaches may alsoincrease the cost and complexity of manufacturing the electronic frames,and may, in some instances, affect the structural integrity of theframes (e.g. the structural members may not be as robust and may not becapable of withstanding the same amount of force as regular frameswithout breaking). Moreover, embedding electronic components in theframe may make access and/or maintenance of the components moredifficult. In some instances, it may be desirable that a singleelectronic frame is capable of use for multiple functions, and therebyelectronic components may need to be changed or replaced with othercomponents without needing extensive fabrication or damaging theelectronic frames.

In some embodiments, a façade may be provided that may be used to bothprovide aesthetic value and/or to hide or conceal non-aestheticallypleasing components, such as those that are associated with electroniccomponents. In addition, in some embodiments, the façade may be aseparate component that can attach to a structural member (such as thelens housing or the temples) and may thereby be manufactured in adifferent process than the other components of the electronic frames. Insome instances, a single style or type of façade may be used formultiple types of electronic frames, which may thereby reducemanufacturing costs. Furthermore, in some embodiments and described inmore detail below, the façade may be detachable (and/or re-attachable)such that one façade may be replaced with another for an electronicframe. In this manner, for instance, a user may change the appearance ofthe electronic frames without changing (or damaging) the underlyingframes or components therein. This may essentially provide the user withthe ability to have different style frames (or the appearance ofdifferent style frames) by simply replacing the façade that is attachedto the lens housing or other structural member.

Moreover, in some instances, the use of a façade may reduce the costsand complexity of manufacturing electronic spectacles frames, and insome embodiments, may reduce the complexity and fabrication of formingthe electrical connections to electro-active lenses (or other electroniccomponents). For instance, in some embodiments, a conductive path froman electronic component (such as a power source, controller, and/orother components which may, for instance, be disposed in an electronicsmodule) may be partially exposed after manufacturing. A façade may beused to both conceal this part of the conductive path, and also toprotect and insulate the path from external forces. In this manner, insome embodiments, the conductive path (or a portion thereof) need not beembedded or manufactured directly into the electronic spectacle frames.Furthermore, it may be less complex to form such connections,particularly on rimless or semi-rimless frame designs, but for stylisticpurposes, a wearer may desire a semi-rimless or full rimmed design,respectively. A façade may be used in such instances to provide theappearance of a different style frame, while allowing for spectacleframes that provide the functional and/or structural benefits of adifferent style frame.

Exemplary Embodiments of Electronic Spectacle Frames Comprising a Façade

Provided below are further exemplary embodiments of electronic frames.These examples are provided for illustration purposes only. In addition,a person of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure mayunderstand that various combinations of components discussed above orbelow may be made. In this regard, embodiments may provide electronicframes that comprise a façade.

A first device may be provided that comprises eyeglasses, where theeyeglasses may further include a lens housing and a first and a secondtemple coupled to the lens housing. The lens housing may support a firstand a second lens (or other optics). The first and second lens may beelectro-active lenses; however, embodiments are not so limited. Thefirst device may further include a façade that covers the lens housing.The term “covers” as used herein may refer to when the façade providesaesthetic value while obscuring at least a part of the lens housing fromview. However, the façade need not encapsulate the lens housing orsurround the entire lens housing to “cover” it, but rather the façadeobscures the lens housing (or portions thereof) from a viewer (typicallyfrom a frontal view). That is, and as described above, the façade may beprovided for cosmetic reasons and may cover, for instance, the front ofthe lens housing (i.e. the portion of the lens housing that faces awayfrom the wearer); however, embodiments are not so limited as the façademay be located on any part of the frame. Examples of embodimentscomprising a façade are shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 and described in detailbelow.

The first device may further include an electronic component, and atleast one conductive path may be provided from the electronic componentto the first lens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.As used in this context, the term “runs through” may refer to when aconductor (such as a wire or conductive rubber) may be disposed within(or coupled to) the lens housing, or that the lens housing (or acomponent thereof) may itself be conductive. As noted above, anelectronic component may comprise any electrical device or componentthereof, which may in some embodiments include an electronics module (asdescribed above). For instance, an electronic component may comprise apower source such that the first conductive path may drive current orvoltage from the electronic component (e.g. a battery) to the first lensor any other component. The electronic component may also comprise anyother component of an electronics module, such as a controller and/orsensor mechanism. The electronic component or components may providesome of the functionality of the electronic spectacle frames, while thefaçade may provide or enhance the aesthetic value and appearance ofthose same frames.

Some embodiments may thereby provide the advantages of the functionalityof electronic spectacle frames with a desired aesthetic appearance. Forinstance, by utilizing a façade, embodiments may provide rimless orsemi-rimless electronic spectacle frames that appear as semi-rimless orfull rimmed frames. In this manner, some embodiments may provide theadvantages associated with a semi-rimless or rimless design (e.g. insome instances, more accessibility to electronic components orelectrical paths provided therein, less materials required to fabricatea lens housing, etc.) with the aesthetics of other frame designs (e.g.the façade could give the appearance of a metal or plastic (such as zylestyle) front while the frames comprise a semi-rimless or rimless designbehind the façade). In some instances, the use of a façade may providethe wearer with the ability to use different façades (and thereby givethe appearance of different frame designs) while utilizing the same baseelectronic frames. That is, for instance, a wearer may be provided withthe ability to change the appearance of frame style and design withouthaving to purchase multiple (and potentially expensive) electronicframes. In some instances, the façade may hide or conceal portions ofthe conductive path. In this manner, it may be possible to use lessdesirable materials (e.g. materials with distinct and conspicuouscolors) that may be less expensive and/or easier to use to fabricate theelectronic frames without sacrificing the aesthetic value of the lens.By concealing such undesirable components, the façade may therebyprovide additional choices for components, as well as the location ofthe components. For instance, rather than requiring that the conductivepath be completely or substantially embedded within the lens housing (oranother structural member), embodiments that utilize a façade may locatethese components in locations that might otherwise be visible but-forthe façade concealing those portions. In this regard, in someembodiments, the use of a façade may permit fabrication of portions ofthe electronic frame (such as the lens housing) using components thatmay be less expensive than other, more desirable components (or mayallow for the use of a smaller amount of those components), while stillgiving the appearance that the frames comprise the more desirablematerial. It should be understood that these advantages are purelyexemplary and are not meant to be limiting.

In general, the electronic component (or components) in the first deviceas described above that comprises a façade may be located in anysuitable location on the electronic frames. For instance, the electroniccomponent (which may be included within an electronics module) may becoupled to the first temple. Locating the electronic component on thetemple may be advantageous in some embodiments as it may provide arelatively large amount of space to dispose such components in alocation that may not be readily apparent to an observer. In comparison,for instance, locating electronic components on the lens housing may bemore apparent to an observer. However, embodiments are not so limitedand in some embodiments, the electronic component (or components) may becoupled to the lens housing. This may provide, in some instances, anadvantage in that a conductive path may not need to be provided from thetemple to the lens housing (or to an electro-active lens). In addition,in some instances, the façade may be disposed so as to cover or concealthe electronic component from an observer, whether the component islocated on the lens housing or on the temple.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a facade, at least one conductive path may be provided fromthe electronic component to the second lens having a portion that runsthrough the lens housing. That is, for instance, in some embodiments, anelectronic component (or components) may be electrically connected toboth the first lens and the second lens (and the first and second lensmay be electro-active lenses). In this manner, a single electroniccomponent (such as a power source, controller, etc.) may providefunctionality to both lenses, and thereby reduce the number ofelectronic components that may need to be located on the electronicframe. The conductive path may be provided by the lens housing, throughthe lens housing (e.g. by an embedded conductive element), and/or by aconductive element coupled to the lens housing. The façade may coversome, or all, of the conductive path provided to the second lens.

As noted above, in some embodiments, in the first device as describedabove, the façade may cover a portion of the lens housing. That is, thefaçade need not necessarily cover the entire lens housing of theelectronic frames. In some embodiments, the façade is coupled electronicframes so as to cover only the front of the lens housing, which is oftenthe portion of the lens housing that is most conspicuous to an observer.The façade may be coupled to the front of the housing any suitablemeans, including by way of example only, an adhesive (e.g. double sidedtape), a fastener (such as a screw), or the lens housing may bestructurally configured so as to receive and couple to the façade. Forinstance, the lens housing may comprise a slot or recess, and the façademay comprise a corresponding structural component that may be insertedinto the slot or recess and thereby couple the two components (or viceversa). However, any suitable means of coupling the components may beused. For instance, in some embodiments, the façade (or a componentthereof) may be pressure fitted so as to be inserted into an opening ofthe lens housing, and expand (i.e. “snap” into place) so as to couplethe two devices together.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the façade may only cover the top portionof the lens housing (such as if one or more electronic components arelocated on the top portion of the lens housing, and it is desirable toconceal or cover just those components). In some embodiments (forinstance, in semi-rimless frame embodiments), the façade may only coverthe portion of the lens housing that does not comprise eye-wire, and maythereby give the appearance of a full rimmed spectacle frame. The use ofthe term “appearance” in this context may generally refer to theperception of the components that an observer may have when viewing thefirst device or a portion thereof. Similarly, in some embodiments, suchas when the electronic frame comprises a rimless design, the façade mayprovide the appearance of semi-rimless spectacle frames, and may therebyonly be required to cover a corresponding portion of the rimless frames.Indeed, in general and as noted above, it may not be necessary in someembodiments for the façade to cover the portions of the lens housingthat may be less conspicuous to an observer (such as the back of thelens housing). However, embodiments are not so limited, and in someinstances, in the first device as described above, the façade covers theentire lens housing. This may be advantageous in that the façade mayprovide a desired stylistic appearance no matter the angle that anobserver is viewing the device from. However, providing a façade thatcovers all or substantially all of the lens housing may increase thecost and complexity of the façade, including in some instances, makingit difficult to couple and decouple the façade to the electronic frames.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a façade, the lens housing may comprise rimless orsemi-rimless spectacle frames. In this regard, the lens housing mayinclude in some embodiments at least one of: one or more screws (e.g.rimless frame designs) or rim wire (e.g. semi-rimless or full rimmeddesigns). As was described above, the façade may provide the appearancethat rimless frames (e.g. rims that do not comprise eye-wire and/or havea lens housing that comprises one or more screws that couple the lensesto the temples) are semi-rimless or full rimmed spectacle frames.Similarly, in some embodiments, the façade may provide the appearancethat semi-rimless frames (e.g. rims that comprise eye-wire around somebut not all of the outer edge of the lenses) are full rimmed spectacleframes. This may, for instance, provide an appearance that is desiredfor the wearer, while requiring less materials to manufacture theelectronic frames, and may permit the use of materials that may be morefunctional but less suitable for a style or aesthetics (because thefaçade may cover the components), etc. In some embodiments, the façademay even be used to cover portions of a full rimmed electronic frame.This may be the case, for instance, if the full rim design usescomponents that are not aesthetically pleasing (but may be suitable foruse in electronic spectacles, such as if the components of the framecomprise conductive materials). The façade may be used to cover suchnon-appealing features, and also serve to cover electrical connectionsbetween components. In addition, the use of the façade may permit thestyle of the full rimmed spectacles to be changed, without necessarilyrequiring the purchase of new electronic frames or significant portionsthereof.

Therefore, as noted above, although in general the façade may beutilized to provide the appearance of spectacles as having a design thatutilizes more frame, embodiments are not so limited. For example, insome embodiments, the façade may provide the appearance of full-rimmedframes on spectacles where the lens housing also comprises a full-rimmedframe design. In some embodiments, the lens housing may comprise asemi-rimless design, and the façade may also provide the appearance of asemi-rimless design. In some embodiments, the lens housing may comprisea rimless design, and the façade may provide the appearance of a rimlessspectacle frame. Such embodiments may enable the use to customize and/orchange the appearance of the lens housing, while still maintaining theframe design features. That is, for instance, the façade may comprise adifferent color, design, material, and/or otherwise provide a differentappearance. Moreover, the façade may also be used to hide or cover oneor more conductive paths (or electronic components) that may otherwisebe visible (or exposed) in such embodiments.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a facade, the façade may mask a conductive path. The use ofthe term “masks” in this context may refer to when the façade concealsor otherwise makes it difficult to view the masked object (in this case,the conductive path or a portion thereof). “Masking” may comprise, forinstance, covering all or substantially all of a component (e.g. part ofthe components that comprise a conductive path), or only thosecomponents that are exposed or capable be being seen by an observer. Aswas noted above, the conductive path may comprise any type of conductivematerial, including by way of example a conductive wire (or otherconductive material, such as a conductive compliant material describedabove) coupled to or embedded within (or substantially within) the lenshousing. The façade may be disposed so as to cover the portions of theconductive material that are exposed or would otherwise be visible. Forinstance, if the conductive path comprises a wire that is attached tothe lens housing (e.g. on an external surface), the façade may bedisposed so that the conductor is not perceivable by an outside observerof the electronic frame. In some embodiments, particularly inembodiments comprising rimless or semi-rimless frames, it may bepreferred that the conductive path comprises a conductive compliantmaterial (e.g. conductive rubber), as it may, for instance, be readilydisposed within a groove of the lens and/or the lens housing. However,this material may comprise a conspicuous color, shape, and/orappearance. The use of the façade may, in some instances, provide theadvantage that this conductive material need not be painted, colored, orotherwise changed to be less conspicuous, and still permit the materialto be located on the lens housing in places where, without the use of afaçade, it would be apparent to an observer.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above comprising afaçade, the conductive path may also comprise the lens housing itself(or portions thereof)—i.e. the lens housing could comprise a conductivematerial. The portions of the lens housing that comprise the conductivepath may be of a different material than other portions of the lenshousing, and this difference in material could be noticeable without anadditional concealment process. The façade could be used in suchembodiments to mask or cover these non-uniformities, so that theelectronic frame appears as a single uniform material and composition.

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above comprising afaçade, and as was noted above, the façade may be coupled to the lenshousing utilizing an adhesive material. In general, any adhesivematerial that may suitably couple the façade to the lens housing may beused, such as for instance double sided tape or a glue epoxy. In someembodiments, in the first device as described above, the facade may becoupled to the lens housing utilizing one or more fasteners such as oneor more screws. This type of fastener may be preferred in someembodiments, because the device may be designed so that a wearer (or aperson or machine as part of the fabrication process) may readily alignthe façade properly with the lens housing. That is, the location of thescrews on both the lens housing and the façade may be such that, whenthe screws are inserted properly, the façade is disposed so as to covera desired portion of the lens housing. This may reduce human error thatmay be present in the use of adhesives (e.g. alignment may not be asprecise).

In some embodiments, in the first device as described above thatcomprises a façade, the façade may be removably coupled to the lenshousing. The term “removably” may refer to embodiments where the façadeis coupled to the lens housing so as to permit the facade to be attachedand detached without affecting the structure and function of the lenshousing or other components of the electronic frame. For instance, thefaçade may be coupled to the lens housing one or more screws such that awearer (or other entity) may decouple the façade from the lens housingby unscrewing (e.g. removing) the screw, and may then recouple the samefaçade or a different façade by reinserting the screw or screws.However, any suitable means may be utilized. For instance, in someembodiments, the façade and lens housing may be configured such that thefaçade has a structural portion that connects (e.g. may be inserted intoa groove or cavity) to the lens housing such that the two components arecoupled. The components may be decoupled by applying an appropriateforce in a particular direction. For example, the lens housing and thefaçade may be configured such that façade is pressure fitted to the lenshousing.

Embodiments that comprise a façade that is removably coupled may providesome advantages. For instance, some embodiments may permit differentfaçades to be used for the same base electronic frame. This may permitan electronic frame to provide different styles without requiring thepurchase of multiple electronic frames (which could be increaseexpenses). In addition, the ability to couple and decouple the façade tothe lens housing (or other portion of the frame) may permit access toone or more components that are typically covered by the façade. Forinstance, if the façade covers an electronic component, and thatcomponent needs to be removed, replaced, or otherwise interacted with, aremovably coupled façade may be removed from the electronic frame toprovide such access. In contrast, a device that comprises a façade thatis not removably coupled may not provide ready access to such devices,and may cause damage to the electronic frames if the façade is removed.

In some embodiments, where the façade may be removably coupled to thelens housing, the lens housing may be configured to be coupled to aplurality of facades and each of the plurality of facades may bedifferent. As noted above, this may permit different façades to bematched with different electronic frames, and readily allow for changesin the appearance and style of the device. In addition, in someembodiments, “different facades” may comprise façades that are made ofthe same materials and have the same appearance, but are separatecomponents. That, is for instance, one façade may be replaced by anidentical façade (which may be used, for instance, if the façade breaksor is otherwise damaged).

In general, the façade and/or the lens housing may comprise any suitablematerial. For instance, in some embodiments, in the first device asdescribed above, the façade may comprise a metal and the lens housingmay comprise a plastic material, such as for instance acetate. Suchembodiments may for instance, permit the majority of the frame to befabricated using an inexpensive material (either in the cost of thematerial itself or in the cost of fabricating a frame using thematerial) such as plastic, while giving the appearance of a moreexpensive or stylish frame (such as one that is made of a metal).However, embodiments are not so limited and in some embodiments, thefaçade may comprise a plastic material and the lens housing may comprisea metal. Similarly, in some embodiments, both the lens housing and thefaçade may comprise a metal material, or both the lens housing and thefaçade may comprise a plastic material.

The façade may also have any suitable shape or size. In someembodiments, it may be preferred, that the thickness of the façade isless than approximately 5 mm. In general, it may be desirable that thefaçade is not readily identifiable as a separate component from theframe. By fabricating the thickness of the façade so as to be relativelythin, this may assist in giving the appearance of a uniform frame, evenfrom various viewing angles. However, it may also be desirable that thefaçade by structurally strong enough to withstand the typical forcesexperienced by the lens housing of spectacle frames.

With reference to FIG. 28, a top view and a front view of an exemplaryelectronic spectacle 2800 that comprises a façade 2804 is provided. Theexemplary electronic spectacle 2800 comprises two temples 2801 that arecoupled to the lens housing 2803 by hinges 2806. The lens housing 2803is shown as a semi-rimless design (e.g. in this example, having eye wireon the top portion of the lens, but comprising nylon along the bottomportion of the lens to hold it in place. The electronic spectacles arealso shown as comprising an electronics module 2802 located in one ofthe temples 2801. The façade 2804 is shown in this exemplary embodimentsas providing the appearance of a full rimmed spectacle frame (that is,eye wire on the around the entirety of the lenses). Indeed, as shown,the façade 2804 covers the front portion of the lens housing 2803 suchthat there are no portions of the lens housing visible to an observerlocated in front of the electronic spectacles 2800. For instance, thefaçade extends so as to cover both hinges 2806 and lens housing 2803.The façade also comprises a bridge 2805 portion that extends between thetwo lenses.

With reference to FIG. 29, the same exemplary embodiment of electronicspectacles 2800 is shown from a rear view. As shown, the lens housing2803 (shown as the darker portions of electronic spectacle frames 2800)is again shown as comprising a semi-rimless design. The façade 2804 isshown as covering the lens housing 2803 and also extending between andaround the entirety of the lenses. However, as can be seen, the façade2804 does not provide structural support to the lenses, as the lensesare held in place by the lens housing 2803 which connected to hinges2806. In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic spectacle frames 2800will provide the appearance of a full rimmed spectacle frame (based onthe appearance of the façade 2804), while comprising a lens housing 2803that is semi-rimless. As was described above, the façade 2804 maycomprise any material and may be coupled to the lens housing 2803 usingany suitable means, including those described in detail above.

It should be understood that, after reading the disclosure providedherein, a person of ordinary skill in the art may understand thatvarious combinations of the devices described above may be made suchthat some or all of the features described with regards to one devicemay be combined with some or all of the features of another device.

Spectacle Lens Frame Electronics

As noted above, electronic spectacles and frames may comprise anysuitable electronic components. That is, for instance, exemplaryspectacle frames such those describe above, or any other electronicspectacles such as, for instance, those described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/684,490, filed Jan. 8, 2010 and entitled“ELECTRO-ACTIVE SPECTACLES AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRONICS” (incorporated byreference herein in its entirety) can comprise electronic components toprovide a variety of functions, such as, for example, control ofelectro-active lenses. Additional exemplary functions (and components toaccomplish the functions) are described below.

These components, whether alone or in some combination, can be builtinto or otherwise coupled to the spectacle lens frame or lenses and/orbe located remotely and be in communication with components on theelectronic spectacle frame or lens. Some of the components may becontrolled by the wearer. Moreover, each of the components describedbelow may be located on electronic frames that comprise some or all ofthe features described above. Furthermore, the components (including theelectrical components referenced) and descriptions provided herein areexemplary, and many variations and combinations of these features may beincluded.

Fall Detector Module:

A fall detector module may be used by seniors or other individuals todetermine if a fall has occurred. These modules may utilize, by way ofexample, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other motion sensor coupledto the electronic spectacles worn by a user. If a fall is detected, themodule can trigger an alarm system in a house, an alarm could be sent topreset phone numbers (e.g., 9-1-1), and/or a message may be sent to oneor more e-mail addresses. In some embodiments, electrical componentslocated on the electronic spectacles may also enable a manual signal(such as a call to a preset phone number or e-mail address) with, forexample, a finger touch to the temple or the press of a button locatedsomewhere on the electronic spectacles (such as a touch twitch). Thesemanual operations could also thereby serve as an indication that awearer has suffered a fall or other emergency situation.

In some embodiments a Fall Detector Module may comprise a smallelectronic module coupled to, or disposed within, the frame or thelenses of electronic spectacles. The module may be disposed in anysuitable location on the electronic frames, and may be coupled theretoin any suitable manner. For instance, the Fall Detector Module may bedisposed on the electronic spectacles in the manners described abovewith regard to the electronics module. Moreover, the components disposedwithin the fall detector module may be electrically or operationallycoupled to one or more components that are disposed outside of themodule (such as a power source or transmitter).

In some embodiments, the Fall Detector Module may include variouselectrical components. For instance, as noted above the module maycomprise a fall sensor to detect that a fall has occurred (e.g., amicro-accelerometer or a micro-gyroscope). The module may also comprisea power source, a controller, and/or a small transmitter. The controllermay include a microprocessor that may receive signals from the fallsensor and determine whether a fall has occurred. The controller mayalso comprise preprogrammed instructions (e.g. stored in a memorydevice) to execute one or more functions so as to provide an alarm ornotification service (e.g. the controller may be configured to send asignal via a transmitter indicating that a fall has occurred, such asdialing or connection to a phone number such as 9-1-1; sending an email;etc). In some embodiments, a modified cell phone or a number of signalrelay devices present in the house (or in any suitable location) candetect the alarm signal from the module, and send a series of emergencyinformation (e.g. test message, e-mail, phone call, etc) via an existingnetwork (e.g. internet, cell phone, or custom network) to individuals orhealth care institutes. In some embodiments, the device may utilize anITO patterned layer (or other transparent or translucent materials) ofelectro-active lenses as a transmitter (e.g. an antenna); however,embodiments are not so limited. For instance, a conductive material maybe disposed in the frames (e.g. within a portion of the temple) orwithin the module that may be used to transmit a signal.

Step Counter and Timer Module:

In some embodiments, a Step Counter and Timer Module may be includethat, for instance, may count the number of steps taken by a wearer(e.g. for walker or jogger) over a given period of time. This may beused to determine the distance traveled by a wearer for a set period oftime, the wearer's pace (e.g. miles-per-hour or average time to completea mile), and/or any other relevant information. In some embodiments,this information may be displayed to a user via a heads-up display (HUD)in the lenses of the electronic spectacles in real time (e.g. while thewearer is exercising). The Step Counter and Timer Module may alsocomprise a button (e.g. touch switch) that may reset and/or displaythese results (e.g. pertaining to time and distance) on a small LCDhoused on the frame or via a HUD.

In some embodiments, the components of the module may include a motiondetection and/or distance detection system to determine the distancetraveled by the wearer. This may include, for example, a power source, asensor, and/or a controller (that may comprise hardware, software,and/or firmware) to count the number of steps taken. The controller maybe a simple counter (e.g. it may simply count the number of steps takenbased on signals received by the sensor) or it may include calibrationtechniques to adjust the distance measurements to the particular wearerfor more accurate measures. The sensor may comprise, by way of example,micro-electromechanical (MEMS) inertial sensors and software that detectsteps (in some embodiments, the software may form a part of thecontroller that receives the signals from the motion sensor). Examplesof such sensors may include, for example, a micro-accelerometer and/or agyroscope that detects either 1-, 2- or 3-axis of acceleration. Thesensor may also comprise a vibration detector, which may utilize anysuitable method of detecting when a step occurs, such as piezoelectricmaterials that generate a voltage or a simple mechanical sensor. Thisinformation may be sent from the sensor to the controller, which maythen determine the number of steps taken.

In some embodiments, the module may also include a timing mechanism. Thetiming mechanism may function like a stop-watch, which may be activatedby the user in any suitable way (such as via sudden movement of thehead, or through the use of a button or switch on the electronicframes). The timer may comprise a portion of the function provided bythe controller, or may be a separate component. As noted above, in someembodiments, the module may further include a display system, such anLCD screen or components of a HUD to convey the relevant information toa wearer.

Drowsiness Detector and Alarm Module:

In some embodiments, a Drowsiness Detector and Alarm Module may beincluded on the electronic spectacles. This module may, for instance, beutilized for long distance drivers or individuals that work late shiftsto determine their level of alertness and their ability to operate amotor vehicle or other heavy machinery safely. The module may, forexample, detect sudden head motion (or any other motion associated withdrowsy behavior) and trigger an alarm when the predefined motion isdetected.

In some embodiments, the module may comprise components such as a motionsensor, a controller, an alarm or display, etc. The sensor may, forinstance, detect a sudden movement (or other movement associated withdrowsiness) and send this information via a signal the controller. Thecontroller can process the data received from the sensor and trigger anaudible or visible alarm if it is determined that such action isnecessary. The motion sensor may comprise, by way of example, amicro-gyroscope, accelerometer, or any other suitable motion detector.The controller may comprise a micro-processor, hardware, software,and/or firmware to receive and process the information from the sensorand to activate an alarm if necessary. The alarm may, in someembodiments, be included in the electronic spectacle frames or lenses,or could be located remotely. For example, an external alarm may belocated on the wearer's person and may vibrate, or an alarm couldcomprise the wearer's car stereo, etc. In such embodiments, theelectronic frames may further include a transmitter to send a signal tothe external alarm components to activate the device.

Timer as Taking Pill Reminder Module:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may comprise a Timer asTaking Pill Reminder Module (or any other reminder module). The modulemay, for example, use an audio (for a wearer to hear) or visual (such asan LED or HUD for the wearer or a third-person to see) signal toindicate that it is time for the wearer to take his medication (or toperform any other tasks); however, embodiments are not so limited, andmay comprise a timer and an alarm that may be set by a user for anypurpose.

In some embodiments, the Time as Taking Pill Reminder Module maycomprise electronic components such as, for example, an electronictimer, controller, a visible or audible alarm, and an input component.The electronic timer (such as an electronic clock) may comprise anysuitable components to determine time, date, time lapsed, etc. Thecontroller may comprise a micro-processor, hardware, software, and/orfirmware to receive and process the information from the timer and toactivate an alarm if necessary. The alarm may, in some embodiments, beincluded in the electronic spectacle frames or lenses, or could belocated remotely. For example, an external alarm may be located on thewearer's person and may vibrate, or an alarm could comprise sending asignal to another device (such as an email or text message to a cellphone). The input component may enable a wearer to enter time and dateinformation to set a reminder, and may include, by way of example, akeyboard entry component, a voice recognition system—which would requirea microphone, etc. The input component may also receive a signal from anexternal device such as a cell phone, personal computer, laptop, etc.that may be used to program the controller or timer with the informationabout a reminder. This may utilize any suitable method of transferringdate, including a physical interface (such as a USB input), short rangecommunication (e.g. Bluetooth®), radio frequency, or other networkinterface (Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, wireless network, etc). The module may also becapable of storing multiple dates and timers (e.g. multiple differentmedication reminders), and may provide different indications for eachreminder.

UV Light Monitor Module:

In some embodiments, electronic spectacles may comprise an Ultra Violate(UV) Light Monitor module. This module may, for example, be utilizedduring outdoor activities to determine the risk to a wearer associatedwith harmful UV rays and alert the wearer to this risk. In someembodiments, the module may comprise a sensor (that may be disposed theframe or the lenses) that can detector the UV intensity of light. Thismay include, for example, a photodiode or photocathode. The module mayalso comprise a controller, which may comprise a micro-processor,hardware, software, and/or firmware to receive and process theinformation from the sensor and to determine the level of riskassociated with exposure to the UV light. The module may further includea display to indicate to the wearer or a third party the current levelof UV light and/or the associated risk to the wearer. The display mayinclude an LED indicator or other display (such as an LCD) or a HUD inthe lenses of the electronic spectacles to provide this information to awearer. For example, when UV intensity detected by the sensor passes acertain predetermined limit, a visible or audio indicator (e.g., an LEDor audible beeper) may provide a warning signal to the wearer.

Emergency Wireless Call Module:

In some embodiments, electronic spectacles may comprise an EmergencyWireless Call Module that may, for example, be utilized by seniors orother individuals to alert authorities as to an emergency. The modulemay for example utilize a preset phone number, e-mail address, or otherdevice and any communication medium to send out a signal related to anemergency. The module may include a sensor or input component that maybe used to activate the module. For example, the sensor may comprise atouch switch or other push button that may be activated using a fingertouch to the temple of the electronic spectacles. The module may includeor be combined with a GPS or other position locator to identify thelocation of the individual and/or the emergency. This locationinformation may be sent along with the emergency message to enable amore rapid response to the emergency. Embodiments may also provide theability to communication (e.g. verbally) through the module to anemergency responder or third party.

The Emergency Wireless Call Module may comprise any suitable electroniccomponents such as a sensor, a controller, and/or a transmitter. Thetransmitter may comprise any suitable components to provide a signalprocessing path for connecting to an outside network, such as thosedescribed with reference to the fall detector module, or any othersuitable components. These may comprise an antenna that may be disposedin the frame (e.g. a temple), in the lens, and/or within the module. Thecontroller may comprise a microprocessor, software, hardware, and/orfirmware that may receive a signal from the sensor, connect to anetwork, and send an emergency message (or otherwise facilitate thecommunication between the wearer and a third party).

Directional Hearing Aids Module:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may include a DirectionalHearing Aid Module that may be utilized to enhance the hearing of thewearer. The module may comprise, for instance, hearing aids or otherauditory assistance devices coupled to the electronic frame. As usedherein, a hearing aid may refer to any electro-acoustic device thattypically fits in or behind the wearer's ear, and is designed to amplifyand/or modulate sound for the wearer. Any suitable hearing aid that maybe disposed within, or coupled to, the electronic spectacles may beused. The hearing aid may include an internal power source, or thehearing aid may be connected to a power source disposed on, or within,the electronic spectacles. In some embodiments, the electronicspectacles may comprise multiple hearings aids. Each hearing aid may bepowered by a separate power source or by a single power source (e.g.using a conductive path across the lens housing).

Pulse and Partial Oxygen Concentration (PO2) Monitor Module:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may comprise a Pulse andPartial Oxygen Concentration (PO2) Monitor Module that may, for example,comprise a small electro-optical sensor or acoustic sensor that can beplaced at the area near the ear of the user, or other suitable locationto detect hear rate and other vital signs. In some embodiments, themodule may comprise a receiver that receives signals from a device thatmay be located on the wearer's body (such as a strap across the wearer'schest), where the device or component monitors the pulse rate and sendsthis information to a controller disposed within the module forrecording and/or analysis. This information may then be displayed to awearer (e.g. via a HUD or LCD display).

In some embodiments, the module may further comprise an electro-opticalsensor (or other similar device) that may be capable of measuring theblood oxygen level of the wearer using, for instance, pulse oximetry.This may comprise an external component that may extend from theelectronic spectacles to the wearer's ear that may be in communicationwith one or more components on the electronic spectacle frames (such asa controller). That is, for instance, a sensor may be disposed in alocation such that light having certain wavelengths may be passedsequentially through the wearer (e.g. the wearer's ear) and received bya photo detector. The difference in the absorbance of light of differentwavelengths may then be measured, enabling the determination of theabsorbance due to the pulsing arterial blood alone (excluding otherfactors such as venous blood, skin, bone, muscle, fat, and etc). Thisinformation may be sent to a controller or similar device, which maythen determine the amount of the oxygen in the blood.

The Pulse and Partial Oxygen Concentration (PO2) Monitor Module may alsocomprise components for displaying the results of the vital statisticsthat were measured, such an LCD display or a HUD in the lenses. Themodule may also comprise an alarm, and the controller may be configuredto trigger the alarm if abnormal readings are found. In someembodiments, components (such as those described above with regard tothe Fall Detector Module) for alerting emergency services or otherindividuals may also be utilized.

RFID Monitor Module:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may include a radiofrequency identification (RFID) Monitor (or other near fieldcommunication device such as Bluetooth®, contactless interfaces, etc.).This module may comprise, for example, an antenna that may be embeddedin the lenses or elsewhere in the frame (e.g. in one of the temples).The module may be coupled to the frame, such disposed within a portionof the frame (which may contain other electronics, including anelectronics module). The RFID Monitor Module may be utilized to sendand/or receive information from components or devices that may otherwisenot be coupled to the electronics disposed on the electronic spectaclesand thus may be utilized in combination with some of the embodimentsdescribed above.

In some embodiments, the “working mode” for the module can be passive oractive. For example, in passive mode, the module may not require its ownpower source, but may utilize a magnetic or electric field generated byanother device to activate and thereby send or receive information. TheRFID Monitor Module may include a microprocessor and/or memory storagedevice coupled to the antenna. The module may be used for any suitablepurpose, such as for security (e.g. it may comprise encryptedinformation that may be used to access a location or files on acomputer), to make payments (e.g. the microprocessor and memory devicemay comprise payment account information that may be sent to apoint-of-sale terminal to complete a financial transaction), to identifyindividuals, etc. The module may also be used by a locator (e.g. it maybe scanned by a device that can identify the individual, therebyidentifying the individual as being at the location where the scanner islocated).

Flash Memory Card Module:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may include a FlashMemory Module that may be utilized to store and transport information.For example, a personal computer or other communication device may reador write to the module contained in the electronics spectacles, such aswithin one of the temples. In some embodiments, the Flash Memory Module,and the memory device stored therein, may be coupled to an RFID MonitorModule or other communication device so as to send and receive data, orthere could be a physical interface to the module. That is, forinstance, in some embodiments, the information may be transferred to orfrom the memory device wirelessly or through a physical interface (suchas a USB port). The Flash Memory Module may also comprise a power sourceand/or a controller.

Digital Watch and Alarm Module:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may include a DigitalWatch and Alarm Module that may maintain the current time and alert anindividual when particular time occurs. This module may comprise similarcomponents as those that were described above with reference to theTimer as Taking Pill Reminder Module, including an electronic clock,power source, controller, input device (for setting times for an alarm),alarm system (or other visual or audio alerts), etc. The module may alsocomprise a display (such as an LCD display or a HUD) or even an audioindication that may provide the time to the wearer. For example, thismodule may comprise a press button or other touch switch that a wearermay interact with such that a signal is sent to a controller in themodule to display the time.

Electronic Eyewear Repairing Kits:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may comprise a modulethat may include tools that may be used for immediate eyeglass repairand maintenance. This module may, for instance, store components such asconductive rubber strips, a conductive glue dispenser, screws, screwdriver, etc. The Electronic Eyewear Repairing Kits may be a physicallyseparable module that may be inserted into a cavity or opening of theeyeglass frames, or could be a component that could be coupled to theouter surface of the electronic frames. In some embodiments, the modulemay be permanently coupled to the electronic spectacles, and the toolsand components may be inserted and removed as needed.

Voice Recorder Module:

In some embodiments, an electronic spectacle frame may include a VoiceRecorder Module. This may be used, for instance, to record audiomessages from the wearer, to dictate correspondences and letters for thewearer, or to record audio noises that the wearer is hearing (such asrecording a speech or a lecture). This may comprise, for instance, asensor (such as a push button or touch switch) that may activate thevoice recording function. The module may further include a microphone,power source, data storage device, speaker or audio output (for thewearer to hear the recorded audio data), and or a transmitter forsending the audio data to another device. In some embodiments, the voicerecorder module (or the storage component therein) may be read by awireless reader and played on a speaker, or any other suitable playbackmode. That is, for example, the Voice Recorded Module may be coupled toa RFID Monitor Module, or comprise similar components (such as aphysical interface) for transferring the information stored therein.

Battery Pack:

In some embodiments, electronic spectacles may include an extra batterypack. The extra power source may be stored, for instance, as a backuppower for a lens driving module or any other electronic component. Thebattery pack may be stored within the electronic frames (e.g. within acomponent or module of a temple or the lens housing) or may be coupledto an outer surface using any suitable means.

Spy Video or Still Picture Recorder:

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may comprise a recordingdevice such as a miniature video camera (e.g., a pin hole camera) orstill picture recorder (e.g. a camera) and associated equipment. Thismodule and components may be utilized, for instance, to record visualimages without outside observers being aware of the recording device.The spy video or still picture recorder may be coupled to a power source(e.g. a battery), a controller, a sensor, and/or a data storage device.The controller may be coupled to the sensor, such that the wearer mayactivate or deactivate the recording device based on an interaction withthe sensor (e.g. a touch switch or a device such as amicro-accelerometer that may detect a sudden movement of the wearer'shead). The sensor may send a signal to the controller, which may thendetermine whether to activate the recording device. The data storagedevice may comprise any suitable component, such as RAM or Flash memory.This data stored in the storage device may be retrieved from theelectronic spectacles using any of the suitable methods describedherein. For example, in some embodiments there may be a physicalinterface to the storage device (which may, in some embodiments,comprise a part of the recording device) or the electronic spectaclescould wireless transfer the data (including in real time) to a receivingdevice using an antenna, short range communications, or similar method.

Thermometer

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may comprise a digitalthermometer that may measure and display the temperature of thesurrounding environment (e.g. ambient temperature). That is, forinstance, the electronic spectacles may comprise a variable resistor orother device that may have a variable voltage drop based on thetemperature of the device (which can therefore be monitored to determinea corresponding temperature). However, embodiments are not so limited,and any suitable electronic thermometer may be used. The thermometer maybe electrically coupled to a display and/or a sensor, such that thewearer may interact with the sensor and thereby request that the displayshow the current temperature. The display may, for example, comprise aLCD display or a HUD.

Remote Controller

In some embodiments, the electronic spectacles may include a controllerfor other devices (e.g. a garage door, a car, a TV, etc). For example,the electronic spectacles may comprise the components of a typicalremote control device, such as a controller, a sensor, a storage device,and a transmitter (such as an antenna or infrared device). The storagedevice may contain information on the instructions, protocols, codes,and transmission/reception standards for activating or controlling adevice that is not otherwise coupled to the electronic spectacles. Thesensor (or other input components) may be configured to receive acommand from a wearer, and signal to the controller to conveyinstructions or information to the remote device. For example, a sensorthat may be disposed on the side of the temple of spectacles may betouched or pressed using certain predefined finger moves to indicatedifferent desired functionality—which may very convenient for seniors.The controller may then utilize the predefined functions andcorresponding instructions stored in a memory device to identifyinstructions to send to the remote device corresponding to a desiredfunction requested by the wearer. The controller may then utilize thetransmitter to send this information wirelessly to the remote device.

Data Collection Unit

In some embodiments, electronic spectacles may include a Data CollectionUnit that may be used by a wearer to record information about thewearer, the wearer's surrounding, or an other suitable information. Forexample, in some embodiments, data that can be collected may include theon and off angles when the eyeglass are controlled manually, the timeinterval between two sequential battery charges, the wearer's behavioror physical state (such as daily calorie burning rate, real time pulse,skin moisture, daily UV exposure), etc. The Data Collection Unit maycomprise one or more sensors, a controller, and/or a storage device forreceiving and storing relevant data, or it may be operatively coupled toany of the components in described with respect to the modules above.The data that is collected may be wirelessly transferred to a device(e.g. using an antenna and connecting to a network such as a mobiledevice network) with high computation power in-real time, or stored inthe memory residing in the module and transferred after data collection(e.g. using an RFID module or physical interface). The receiving devicemay for instance use artificial intelligence to analyze the data forspecific applications, such as to train the software to reset thepersonalized control parameter, or provide recommendations for wearer'sdaily activity.

In some embodiments, the data collection unit may be a unit separatefrom the frame/lens electronics that can be used to capture data storedin the electronic frames. For example, data stored in RAM included inthe lens electronics can be relayed to a remote unit for analysis. Datamay be relayed via a wireless or wired link (including e.g. infrared orradio frequency). In some embodiments, data may be stored in localstorage disposed within the frame electronics for long periods of timeand then collected (or transferred) periodically or, as noted above,there may be instantaneous data collection in some instances.

Embodiments Comprising a Moisture Barrier

For some embodiments comprising electronic frames that may include oneor more electrical connections between an electronic component (orcomponents) that may be disposed on the electronic frames and one ormore electro-active lenses that may be coupled to a lens housing, theinventors have found that one issue that may arise in some instances isthat moisture may affect the conductive path between these components.That is, moisture may affect the electrical contacts between theelectrical components disposed in the electro-active lens and theelectrical components disposed outside of the lens. The moisture maycreate inconsistent performance of the electro-active lenses and/orresult in one or more failed connections between the components (i.e.the electrical path may be severed such that current cannot flow betweenthe components). The inventors have found this to be particularlyprevalent for the electrical connections that are formed around theperiphery of the electro-active lens.

The moisture may contact the conductive paths between the electroniccomponents on the electronic frames and the electronic componentsdisposed in the electro-active lenses based on, for example, openingsthat may exist from the manufacturing process (e.g. the connection maynot be fully sealed to the outside environment) or even from degradationof the components during use (which may create gaps or otherwise exposethe electrical connections between the components). Indeed, theinventors have found that salt (which may contact the lens from awearer's skin or perspiration) may degrade the components of theelectronic spectacles (such as the lenses) and thereby create openingsand/or otherwise expose and degrade the conductive paths.

In some embodiments, a first device, may be provided. A first device mayinclude a lens comprising at least a first electrical contact, a lenshousing holding the lens, where the lens housing comprises at least asecond electrical contact, and a conductive element disposed between thefirst and the second electrical contact, wherein the conductive elementelectrically connects the first and second electrical contacts. Thefirst device may further comprise a barrier layer that is disposed so asto cover at least a portion of the conductive material. The “barrierlayer” may be disposed so as to cover the conductor (or a portionthereof) at or near the periphery of the lens such that it may not beexposed to the external environment. As noted above, the inventors havefound that the location between the electro-active lenses and the lenshousing typically tends to be where the conductors are exposed to theexternal environment. The barrier layer may be moisture resistant, suchthat it may prevent moisture from contacting the electrical connections.In some embodiments, the barrier layer of moisture resistant materialmay comprise a polymer substance.

In some embodiments, the barrier layer may be applied or disposed inareas of the electronic spectacles between two components (such asbetween the lens housing and the electro-active lenses). In someembodiments, these components of the electronic spectacles may becoupled in advance, and the barrier layer may be applied in a laterprocess (e.g. as part of a finishing or sealing process after theelectrical connections have been formed). This may be preferred because,for instance, the barrier layer may function to prevent the electricalconnection at the interface between the components from being exposed tothe external environment. Thus, in some embodiments, once the barrierlayer is set, access to this interface may be limited. However,embodiments are not so limited, and the barrier layer may be applied atany suitable time.

The inventors have found that in some embodiments it may be preferredthat the barrier layer may comprise a material that has a viscosity thatis thin enough such that it may be applied or injected into the areasbetween the components of the electronic spectacles. As noted above, insome embodiments the barrier layer may be applied to prevent or limitcontact with moisture (e.g. water) and, therefore, it may be preferredthat the viscosity of the barrier layer material be comparable to water.In this manner, the barrier layer may be applied to (and therebydisposed in) the same areas that would otherwise be accessible to thismoisture. In some embodiments, where the barrier layer may comprise apolymer material (such as a two component epoxy), after the barrierlayer has been applied to the electronic spectacles, it may be cured toset the material in place. In general, the barrier layer may be curedusing any suitable process, such as visible light curing, ultra-violetcuring, and/or thermal curing. In some embodiments, where thermal curingis used, the material of the barrier layer may be chosen such that itmay be cured at a low enough temperature that the other components ofthe electronic spectacles (e.g. the lenses, lens housing, and/orelectronics) are not affected by the increase in temperature.

The inventors have also found that, in some embodiments, it may bepreferred that the material that comprises the barrier layer be flexibleand/or soft enough such that it does not damage (or damage othercomponents, such as the lens) when experiencing the typical forces ofdaily use. For instance, when the barrier layer is disposed in the areabetween the lens housing and the lens component, there may be forcesapplied to either one of, or both of these components in variousdirections. If the barrier layer is too rigid, this force may be appliedto the lens, which could cause chipping or cracking. This may result,for example, in exposure of the electrical contacts, damage to the lens,and/or one or more components could be decoupled.

An exemplary embodiment that comprises a barrier layer applied toelectronic spectacles so as to prevent or limit exposure of theelectrical contacts between a lens and a lens housing to the outsideenvironment (including to moisture) is shown in FIG. 30. The electronicspectacles comprise a lens housing 3001, a conductor 3002 (in this case,shown as a compliant conductive material), conductive paint 3003 thatforms a part of an electrical path to one or more electrical componentsof the lens 3004, and a barrier layer 3005. As shown in FIG. 30, in someinstances a space or area may exist between the lens housing 3001 andthe lens 3004 shown as air gap 3006. As noted above, this may be createdduring the manufacturing process (e.g. the lens housing 3001 and aportion of the lens 3004 do not fit tightly so as to seal the componentsthere between from exposure to the outside environment) and/or maydevelop through use of the spectacles. On the opposite side of the airgap 3006 shown in FIG. 30 is a barrier layer 3005 that has been disposedso as to insulate the conductor 3002 from the external environment. Thebarrier layer 3005 is shown as disposed within the area between the lenshousing 3001 and the lens 3004. As noted above, the barrier layer 3005could have been injected into this region between these components, andmay have been cured thereto so as to be coupled to the lens housing 3001and/or the electro-active lens 3004.

Combination of Elements

Although many embodiments were described above as comprising differentfeatures and/or combination of features, a person of ordinary skill inthe art after reading this disclosure may understand that in someinstances, one or more of these components could be combined with any ofthe components or features described above. For instance, embodiments ofelectronic frames that comprise a spring hinge may also comprise any oneof, or some combination of (1) a compliant conductive material; (2) afaçade; (3) a housing module that is coupled to an electronics module;and/or (4) one or more electronics modules (and/or a conductive pathform one electronics module to one or both electro-active lenses):Similarly, embodiments that comprise a compliant conductive material mayalso comprise any one of, or some combination of: (1) a façade; (2) ahousing module that is coupled to an electronics module; and/or (3) oneor more electronics modules (and/or a conductive path form oneelectronics module to one or both electro-active lenses). Similarly,embodiments that comprise a façade may also comprise any one of, or somecombination of: (1) a housing module that is coupled to an electronicsmodule; and/or (2) one or more electronics modules (and or/a conductivepath form one electronics module to one or both electro-active lenses).Similarly, embodiments that comprise a housing module that is coupled toan electronics module may also comprise one or more electronics modules(and/or a conductive path form one electronics module to one or bothelectro-active lenses). Moreover, the exemplary features and aspects ofany of the above embodiments may also be used in any suitablecombination, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artafter reading this disclosure.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claimsalong with their full scope or equivalents.

A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein areprovided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of thepresent application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admissionthat the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publicationby virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication providedmay be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to beindependently confirmed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A first device comprising eyeglasses, theeyeglasses further comprising: a lens housing; a first temple and secondtemple coupled to the lens housing; a first and a second lens supportedby the lens housing; a facade that covers the lens housing; and anelectronic component; wherein at least one conductive path is providedfrom the electronic component to the first lens having a portion thatruns through the lens housing, and wherein the facade masks at least aportion of the conductive path.
 2. The first device claim 1, wherein theelectronic component comprises an electronics module.
 3. The firstdevice of claim 2, wherein the electronics module is coupled to thefirst temple.
 4. The first device of claim 1, wherein the electroniccomponent is coupled to the lens housing.
 5. The first device of claim1, wherein at least one conductive path is provided from the electroniccomponent to the second lens having a portion that runs through the lenshousing.
 6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the facade covers aportion of the lens housing.
 7. The first device of claim 1, wherein thefacade covers the entire lens housing.
 8. The first device of claim 1,wherein the lens housing comprises rim less or semi-rimless spectacleframes.
 9. The first device of claim 8, wherein the lens housingcomprises at least one of: screws or rim wire.
 10. The first device ofclaim 8, wherein the conductive path comprises a conductive wire. 11.The first device of claim 8, wherein the facade provides an appearanceof rimmed spectacle frames.
 12. The first device of claim 1, wherein thelens housing comprises rimless spectacle frames, and wherein the facadeprovides an appearance of semi-rimless or full rimmed spectacle frames.13. The first device of claim 1, wherein the lens housing comprises semirimless spectacle frames, and wherein the facade provides an appearanceof full rimmed spectacle frames.
 14. The first device of claim 1,wherein the lens housing comprises full rimmed spectacle frames, andwherein the facade provides an appearance of full rimmed spectacleframes.
 15. The first device of claim 1, wherein the conductive pathcomprises any one of, or some combination of: a conductive wire,conductive rubber, or a portion of the lens housing.
 16. The firstdevice of claim 1, wherein the facade is coupled to the lens housingutilizing an adhesive material.
 17. The first device of claim 1, whereinthe facade is coupled to the lens housing utilizing one or more screws.18. The first device of claim 1, wherein the facade is removably coupledto the lens housing.
 19. The first device of claim 18, wherein the lenshousing is configured to be coupled to a plurality of facades; andwherein each of the plurality of facades is different.
 20. The firstdevice of claim 1, wherein the facade comprises metal material, andwherein the lens housing comprises plastic material.
 21. The firstdevice of claim 1, wherein the facade comprises a plastic material, andwherein the lens housing comprises a metal material.
 22. A first deviceco nip sing eyeglasses, the eyeglasses further comprising: a framecomprising: a lens housing; and a first temple and a second templecoupled to the lens housing; a first and a second lens supported by thelens housing; a facade permanently coupled to the lens housing; and anelectronics module housed within the frame, wherein at least oneconductive path is provided from the electronics module to the firstlens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.
 23. The firstdevice of claim 1, wherein the facade covers exposed portions of theconductive path.
 24. The first device of claim 1, wherein the conductivepath masked by the facade comprises a wire having a portion that runsalong an outer surface of the frame.
 25. The first device of claim 22,wherein the facade covers exposed portions of the conductive path. 26.The first device of claim 22, wherein the conductive path comprises awire having a portion that runs along an outer surface of the frame. 27.The first device of claim 1, wherein the façade is permanently coupledto the housing.